Xae’s living her dream
IT’S crunch time as seven contestants are left for Idols SA 2018. Among the finalists is Durban-born Xae whose birth name is Zama Memela. The 19-year-old from Pinetown, along with Ladysmith teenager, Nosipho are the two hopefuls from KwaZulu-Natal this season.
“I was singing from a young age. I always knew I wanted to be a singer, but I started taking it seriously in high school when I landed a solo role in a high school production when I was in Grade 8. The more I performed, the more passionate I became about it, and performing in front of people.”
Xae, a student at the International Hotel School in Westville, said she had longed to enter the competition since she was 16-years old. “I wanted to enter three years ago, but my mum would not have it. She said once I matriculate, I can enter. So that’s exactly what I did. Once I finished school, I went to audition. My best friend came along with me, and I was inspired by previous contestants, who were also very young and made it in Idols SA. So I wanted to try it out for myself.”
Now that Xae made the top 7 finalists, she says it feels unreal; “Making the Top 10 was such a compliment, so this is out of this world. But, I’m living my dream and learning a lot. The entire team has been amazing. From the band to the judges and the coaching and guidance we receive and the things we learn about the industry. It’s been great.
“There is a lot of pressure, but I’m just trying to focus on myself and staying true to who I am. And my family are very proud of me, and I have their support, so that makes me very happy.”
The aspiring musician was also the first contestant in the history of Idols SA to get her Golden Ticket autographed by the judges. “I was really excited. Idols Extra showed the full footage where each judge signed my ticket. And I was so nervous about performing, especially in front of Randall. So to get an autograph from him on my ticket was amazing because it’s so hard to impress him.”
For Xae, winning Idols SA would help her fulfil her dreams as a singer. “The prizes are great, but to me, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I can’t see myself doing anything else.
“I want to collaborate with other artists, and grow more in the industry. The most challenging part is when you have to make sacrifices. You need to have a passion. I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights, and I have to push myself, but it’s worth it when you’re a step closer to your dream.”