Matric dances are often the highlight of many high school journeys as we prepare our hearts to close a more than a decade-long chapter in the schooling system – but for one South African TikToker, it would be a night that he would never forget.
After months of petitioning to have his favourite artist, Tyla, accompany him to his farewell dance, Mollwane Madiba’s dream finally came true.
On Friday, the Grammy Award winner made her eagerly awaited appearance at the matric ball, sending hundreds of high school seniors into a state of euphoria while thousands online were even more stunned.
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The 18-year-old St. Stithians Boys’ College learner has been making waves on social media platforms since the start of the year. This comes after he took to TikTok in February, requesting Tyla to be his date to the dance, a bold request, yet as it now appears, not an impossible one.
This has since led to the emergence of the popular hashtag #MoandTylaForMD, along with him devising creative ways to use the singer’s lyrics to get her attention.
While it may have appeared that this would be a lost cause, the popularity of his clips spread rapidly, reaching international shores like the U.S, where dozens joined in on the mission to capture the singer’s attention.
Recently, it reached the attention of the Youth radio station 5FM, and this seemed to have been a major catalyst to boosting awareness.
“When we saw Mo’s video, we knew we had to get involved and pull all the strings we can,” says Masi Mdingane, Business Manager for 5FM and Good Hope FM. The station interviewed the matriculant concerning his journey earlier this month and managed to keep a little secret until the big day officially arrived.
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After having just witnessed his wildest dream come true, he said: “From the USA to South Africa! I’m so grateful to the 5FM team – you guys honestly revived this moment for me. It’s just been an amazing thing.”
He continued: “It’s going down in the history books! I was literally dateless because I asked Tyla… and then Tyla pulled through! I’ll never forget it! On the dance floor, she said, ‘Come, we’re singing!’ and shouted, ‘Mollwane and Tyla for MD!’ I heard her say that I’m a gentleman, by the way. Thank you, Tyla!”
Masi Mdingane added that celebrating youth is an important part of what they stand for at the station.
“This is what 5FM is about – moving the youth of SA, celebrating their courage, and amplifying the voices and stories that inspire the nation. If it means asking Tyla for one epic surprise, then that’s what we do. Thank you to Tyla, her family, and her team for making this happen… and to Mo and Saints for starting a fire that’ll burn in many hearts for a long time to come.”
The success of this occasion has since inspired them to launch the 5FM PromPosal, which officially kicks off on 30 June. The initiative aims to help more matriculants find interesting ways of asking their potential date to the matric dance.
Also see:Learner’s hope of having Tyla as matric ball partner very much alive
