It’s Durban by the high C as KwaZulu-Natal dominates ‘Idols’ cut
IT must be something in the water: nearly half of Idols SA’s top 16 this year hail from KwaZulu-Natal.
But singing success is not a new phenomenon for the province — several KwaZuluNatal contestants have been crowned the winner in previous seasons of the TV competition, including Jason Hartman, Khaya Mthethwa and Vincent Bones.
Judges Randall Abrahams and Somizi Mhlongo weighed in on the wealth of talent emerging from a province that is home to seven of the top 16.
“It says KwaZulu-Natal is not just talented, it is hungry to break records, to always bring it on and to make sure they always have a winner coming from their province,” said Mhlongo.
“I think all the provinces must learn a lesson from how KwaZulu-Natal comes into the competition. They are in it to win it.”
Abrahams said that during the early years of Idols SA, Durban contestants “didn’t fare that well. In fact, Cape Town was always very solid. But over the years, Durban has emerged as a crucible of musical talent.”
Abrahams said he believed producers such as Sketchy Bongo created a “fertile environment for flourishing talent”.
Idols SA will go live today on Mzansi Magic at 5pm and promises to be an “explosive” show, with top performers such as Babes Wodumo, Mampintsha, Joocy and DJ Tira.
The women will perform for votes today.
Nosihe Zulu, a 28-year-old music student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, almost didn’t enter the competition, after being unsuccessful in the audition round three years ago.
But her 11-year-old brother, Joshua, pushed her to take another chance.
“He even picked out my song and practised with me,” said Zulu. Her brother’s faith in her talent earned Zulu a Golden Ticket.
“I’m very grateful to Josh because he helped me get over my crippling fear of being judged.”
Thamsanqa Mathonsi, 20, is still in awe that he made it to the Top 16, after forgetting the words to his audition song.
Mathonsi, who is studying music and drama at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, put his rugby aspirations aside to pursue his Idols SA dream.
“I didn’t think I would make it this far. But by God’s grace, He showed me that with Him by my side nothing is impossible.”