It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child, but for music producer Zakes Bantwini and his wife Nandi Madida, it takes all that and a lot of love.
The couple are the proud parents of Shaka and Nefertiti and have done an amazing job at embracing the differences of their children.
Last year, Nandi opened up about the journey of raising Nefertiti, who has been diagnosed with autism, a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people communicate, learn, and behave.
In an interview with Daily Sun, she emphasised that while there may be many misconceptions about those with autism, it is equally important to understand that it looks different for every child. “It’s like a neurotypical kid. Every kid is different, and so is every adult. It’s the same with autistic people. Autism does not necessarily have a look and doesn’t manifest in the same way.”
Being aware of this has made it much easier for both parents to adjust their parenting techniques to accommodate the different needs of their children.
Recently, Zakes and Nandi took to social media to celebrate Nefertiti’s 6th birthday. Both shared heartfelt messages.
In his post, the Grammy Award winner wrote: “Today is a celebration of you, all your unique sparkles, your incredible mind, and the special way your autism helps you see the world in wonderful colors and patterns that others might miss.
He continued, “I love watching you grow and discover your own path, following what makes your heart happy.
“Your beautiful autistic mind works in remarkable ways that make you perfectly, wonderfully you. The way you understand things deeply, notice details others overlook, and feel experiences so richly is truly special. I treasure every moment we share, from our quiet times together to your excited moments about the things you love most.”
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The post contained a gallery of pictures showcasing the past six years since birth to now.
Meanwhile, Nandi shared birthday wishes of her own.
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Also see: Nandi Madida gushes over her son’s ‘God given talent’
