‘Idols’ star makes most of opportunity
SINGER Thami Shobede may not have won Season 12 of Idols SA but the musician is getting bookings all over the country and plans to release a debut album next year.
Shobede was in East London for the Miss Eastern Cape pageant on Sunday at The Venue@Hemingways.
Reflecting on his journey in the television singing competition, Shobede said it was a once-in-alifetime experience.
“My journey on Idols SA was amazing. It was an out-of-body experience,” Shobede said.
“I count it as one of my blessings of 2016. I got to meet South Africans who truly love me . . . they got me to the top two of the competition.” Idols SA made him grow musically, he said. “More than anything, my experience on Idols SA has taught me to always give my heart in anything that I do,” Shobede said.
“Sometimes music does not make sense until you start giving it your all – and that’s what happened on the show.
“When I gave my heart, my everything, people started responding to that,” he said.
This year was the second time Shobede competed in Idols SA. He first entered last year and made it to the top 16.
This second time around proved to be worth it, as he made it to the top two, losing the battle to fellow Durban singer Noma Khumalo.
Unfortunately, now he can never enter Idols SA again.
“Getting into the top two means I cannot audition again, but I am trying to do a couple of things on radio and television.
“People will be seeing me again. I can’t reveal much at this point, though,” he said.
Of the 14 million votes cast in the final week for the two singers, a difference of 50 000 votes gave Khumalo the Season 12 crown.
A total of 83 million votes were cast through the season.
“I love Noma and I think she deserved the win,” Shobede said. “It was mixed emotions on the stage. I also wanted that for myself, but I appreciate that she won.
“I think we both won because being in the top two is a big thing,” he said.
Shobede said people should expect to hear new music from him next year.
“People can expect an album,” he said.