Idol Chatter & Voice Views

His audition: Tinayeshe Mayika, 27, Charlotte, N.C., performed “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers: Viewers only saw part of his audition, but he came across as a fun, talented performer. Carrie Underwood said his performance sounded fresh. Lionel Richie praised his big voice. Luke Bryan liked the way he made the song authentically his own.

Here’s more about Tinayeshe Manyika:

* He’s a Christian singer-songwriter from Charlotte North Carolina who has spent time as a worship director.

* He’s Zimbabwean American; his parents are missionaries from Zimbabwe. And that first name is pronounced Tee-Nigh-Yeh-Sheh.

* That’s the name he releases music under, and he’s released a good bit since 2023, including a seven-song album called “Through the Valley” in 2024.

* He’s also been involved in several collaborations. A song called “Walk With Me,” recorded with The Porter’s Gate and Sandra McCracken, has more than 170,000 streams on Spotify.

* In the summer of 2024, Tinayeshe worked as youth worship leader as a Christian came in California’s Santa Cruz mountains. It was a sort of full-circle moment for the musician.

* “I came to know the Lord at a camp called Windy Gap in seventh grade,” he said. “Now as an adult, being able to set that environment and set the space for people to say ‘yes’ to the Lord — it’s just really cool.”

* In September, he launched a video series called “A Chapter a Day to Keep the Devil Away.” The goal, to read a chapter of the Bible on social media every day.

* “If my math is correct, this will take us four years,” the jovial Tinayeshe said. “I don’t know how this is gonna go. But I need to read the Bible more and I need to be more consistent with posting.” As of early January, he was still going strong, posting episode #120.

* He’s also launched a Go Fund Me to help finance a second album, to be titled “Communion.”

* Writes Tinayeshe: “This collection of songs invites you to lean into the mystery of deep communion with God and people, and the fullness of joy that comes thereof. It’s the narrow path, but it’s the better one. Trust me.”

Tinayeshe on social media:
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
YouTube

@tinayeshe.k I’m sure we’ve all got plans, or got people tellin’ us to make ‘em as ‘26 quickly approaches… for me, the unknown brought great treasure this year; so, I think I’ll keep walking in it. Couldn’t let the year end without reminding you that I’m still a singer/songwriter… that would’ve been rude. Be safe, celebrate! 🎉🥳 #newyears #original #music #sing #love ♬ original sound – Tinayeshe