“She Noticed Me… And Then She Came!” – Tyla Shocks Matric Learner by Showing Up at His Matric Dance
Dreams really do come true – especially if you’re brave, bold, and never give up. Just ask matric learner Mollwane Madiba, whose wish to have Grammy-winning singer Tyla as his date to matric dance actually came true after months of trying to get her attention.
For weeks, Mo – as he’s affectionately called used TikTok and social media to campaign for his dream. He posted videos, asked his classmates to join in, and even created the now-famous hashtag #MOandTYLAForMD. His videos often featured Tyla’s hit song Push 2 Start, and his schoolmates were fully on board.
@tyla.fan599 THE TYLA X MOLLWANE MATRIC DANCE JUST HAPPENED #tyla #fyp ♬ IS IT – TYLA
In one clip, a group of learners confidently said, “Who do you think Mollwane is taking to MD?” and all answered, “Tyla, obviously.”
According to The Citizen, but as the big night drew closer, doubt started creeping in. Just a day before the event, Mo posted a video from Sandton while shopping for his suit. “I just got to Sandton to get my suit, I don’t want to go to this dance alone,” he said. “If there’s anyone who wants to go with me, message me ASAP.”
Despite all the effort, many thought his dream was too big. At one point, news came that Tyla had seen the videos and was touched, but wouldn’t be able to attend. Still, Mo was excited. “She noticed me,” he said at the time, already feeling like a winner.
@lesedi.je Tyla when I catch you 😭😭 #tylaandmollwane #mollwaneandtylaformd #matricdance #mollwane #tyla ♬ PUSH 2 START – Tyla
According to Good Things Guy, the national radio station 5FM caught wind of Mo’s story and took it nationwide. They interviewed him, encouraged South Africans to support him, and helped spread his promposal far and wide. And when the big night arrived at St Stithians Boys’ College in Johannesburg, 5FM was there to capture it all.
As the dance carried on, a surprise started to build. Suddenly, Tyla’s new song “Is It” played through the speakers — one of the first times the public had ever heard it. Then came the twist no one expected: Tyla was actually there. In person. For Mo.
South Africa’s very own global superstar, born in Edenvale and now performing on the world’s biggest stages, walked into the room. The energy exploded. Mo’s face lit up. The crowd went wild.
Tyla didn’t just show up and she danced with Mo, sang with him, and even shouted, “Mollwane and Tyla for MD!” on the dance-floor.
Mo, still stunned by the magical night, shared, “I heard her say that I’m a gentleman, by the way. Thank you, Tyla!”
5FM’s Business Manager Masi Mdingane summed up the moment best: “This is what 5FM is about – moving the youth of SA, celebrating their courage, and amplifying the voices and stories that inspire the nation. 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.”
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