Alynah Mackay is just 11 years old, but she’s already making waves in the music world. The Grade 5 student at Herbert Hurd Primary recently collaborated with musical star Early B on a track that dropped today, 19 September, called Alle Eer.
Music runs in the Mackay family blood. Her father Andre was the lead singer of popular R&B group ChapterTHREE, while mom Rozaan is also a performer. For Alynah and her 6-year-old brother, growing up meant rehearsals in the living room and recording sessions at their home studio were just part of family life.
Andre used to teach Early B in Sunday school years ago.
Speaking to the Express, Andre said when Earl reached out with a song idea needing an Afrikaans children’s choir, the original plan fell through. That’s when Andre suggested his daughter instead.
“I knew it would be easier to coach her through singing in Afrikaans than an entire choir of English kids,” Andre explains.
At just 9 years old, Alynah recorded her first demo in their home studio. Two years later, Early B was ready to move forward with the song. When they finally met in person, Earl was amazed by her natural talent and voice control.
“He thought I did some tuning on her vocals, but could now hear that it’s ‘all her’,” Andre shares proudly.
Despite the excitement, the Mackays are keeping things balanced. Alynah still focuses on school, plays clarinet in both junior and senior bands, and performs as a soloist in the school choir.
Beyond the music, Alynah learned valuable lessons about humility and hard work from watching Early B’s respectful, down-to-earth approach despite his success.
As her father puts it: “This isn’t her ‘I’ve made it moment’, it’s her ‘planting a seed moment’.”
