While growing up his friends were glued to kiddies’ movies and video games, but he watched the famous mini-series, Shaka Zulu.

He didn’t watch it because he was bored, but because David Jenkins wanted to learn more about the culture of the Zulu nation.

After that, he started craving the music, dance and language, and as a result bought his first cassette of Maskandi music by Phuzekhemisi.

“Shaka was a hero, so I was so eager to learn about his victorious wars. I couldn’t speak Zulu at all, but I started learning a word a day,” he said.

It wasn’t long before Jenkins found himself hooked on traditional music by Phuzekhemisi.

“When my friends listened to western music, I would listen to Phuzekhemisi. I developed an interest in the culture too,” he said.

Jenkins started singing Maskandi at the age of 12, drawing inspiration from Johnny Clegg, the only white man who could hit those Zulu notes.

But Jenkins is headed for even greater heights and exudes the same confidence that wowed the judges at SA’s Got Talent in 2009.

“That was awesome. I am so grateful for the exposure, I really am,” said Jenkins.

Today, when on stage, it all seems natural, but Jenkins says it was an uphill climb learning the language.

“I struggled to understand it. Even at school I had to give up the Afrikaans lessons to learn Zulu.”

In our conversation, using English and Zulu, he still struggles with the accent and the twang is still there. He tells us how he learns the lingo.

“Our gardener taught me a little, but I had a friend, Thokozani, who taught me the basics. He learnt my language and I learnt his,” he said.

When his father, Chris Jenkins, who was a journalist, attended work-related events, he would go with him.

“They would dance (traditional dance) and sing, it was so beautiful. I was hooked on traditional music and dance too,” he said.

Unfortunately his dad died before he could witness his son’s musical career take off.

“He was so supportive. Actually, they were all supportive, my mother and my friends were okay with my choices,” he said.

However, the fact that he sings Maskandi and wears traditional Zulu outfits when performing doesn’t mean he is not proud of his own culture.

“I’m quite happy the way I am. I am very proud of my family background, and that I can be part of both cultures,” he said.

When performing he opts for either patch pants (umblaselo) or full traditional Zulu regalia (Ibheshu, isinene and umqhele).

Jenkins, who is also known as Qadasi, was born in Empangeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal, has released his debut album titled Africa Child. Maskandi with hints of Western fusion, it contains tracks such as Sihambe Asisize and Welcome to the City of uMhlathuze.

The 19-year-old also enjoys stick fighting, and his favourite dish is phuthu and cabbage.

Jenkins was nominated as Best Upcoming Artist at last year’s South African Traditional Music Awards.

He also toured the US for a month, where he performed at the South African restaurant Madiba, in Brooklyn.

“I’ve learnt a lot from this trip, realising that culture is very important. People must be proud of who they are,” he said.