Idols Top 10 spot for Zululander ‘Mr Music’

From worshipping through music in church as a young boy to performing on the country’s biggest stage, Lungani ‘Bruce Mr Music’ Mthethwa (21) is definitely singing his way to the top.

The young lad from eNhlanzeni Reserve in the Mbonambi area outside Richards Bay is flying the Zululand flag high after being selected as one of the Top 10 finalists in Idols SA season 16 on Sunday.

He was named a top contender after he outshone many hopefuls with his performance as part of the Top 16 group two weeks ago.

He surprised the judges when he tackled a beautiful song titled All I could do was cry, which was previously recorded by Etta James as well as Ike and Tina Turner.

This muso has been a strong contender throughout the competition since his first audition in Durban several months ago, which earned him a golden ticket.

He continued to excel with his vibrant voice during theatre week.

He is now in the running for the overall prize of R1-million and other big prizes. A star from the beginning, ‘Mr Music’ showed signs of stardom at a young age when he used to sing in church. According to his aunt, Thandeka Mthethwa-Buthelezi, after his mother’s passing, Lungani was raised by her and his two grandparents.

‘He started singing in church and he would spend many hours practising on his keyboard. ‘Music has always been part of him and we always knew he will one day become a big star,’ she said. Mthethwa-Buthelezi told the ZO he learned much about music and perfected his craft with help from the late Idols SA runner-up, Thami Shobede.

‘They taught each other the basics and he then moved from gospel to other genres such as Afropop, RnB and others,’ she explained. Zululanders continue to rally behind him, and several groups have been established to ensure he becomes the ultimate idol.

This Sunday, the electrical engineering student at uMfolozi TVET College will once again look for votes to take him to the next stage of the competition.