Mthokozisi growing in versatility
MTHOKOZISI Ndaba is reviving his musical career in his home town, Kwamashu, Durban.
Despite not winning the Idols SA competition, the 25-year-old singer feels his career is again on the right path having bagged a radio gig with a community radio station and signing a recording deal with Sphethu Records, a local record label. Ndaba, who released the ballad Masithandane during Idols SA, is set to feature as an actor in a local movie later this year.
“I realised to survive as an entertainer, I need to be versatile and I must not limit myself. After Idols SA I came back home and had lost out on many sponsors but life still goes on. I decided to try radio and acting which I am enjoying and learning, it’s part of my growth,” said Ndaba, who hosts the Zonkebonke Drive Show with DJ Shapzinto on Kwamashu’s Vibe FM every Friday. In July, Ndaba will feature as a lead actor on Durban Motion Pictures movie, Zimele, which will air on Mzansi Magic on Dstv.
“I play the character of a prince, his name is Bhekisisa and it’s a lead role. The movie is a Cinderella type of a story but told in a South African style,“he said.
He was once accused of assaulting a Johannesburg woman late last year.
The negative publicity cost him sponsors and deals he had lined up, but giving up was never an option, he said.
“A woman whom I didn’t even know claimed I beat her,” he said.
“She never pitched even at court. I always say every hardship I went through were a test and I passed. God is always on my side and I will forever praise him,” he said.
Ndaba is also ecstatic about becoming a father again, having lost his son Ntandoyenkosi five years ago. His actress girlfriend, Nandipha Sefoloko, is expecting.
“I am ready to be a father again, I am hoping it will be a boy, I am just excited and I can’t wait,” he said.
“Nandipha and I have been together for two years, we are happy together. I would love to make her my wife one day, but for now we are dating and growing together,” said Ndaba.
On lessons learnt, he said: “Although I lost out on Idols, it opened up doors for me. It was a great experience and it gave me exposure to a bigger audience.
“People thought that I was being dramatic when I didn’t win, the truth is everything that happened was because I was emotionally exhausted. After I was released from hospital I went back to my normal self.”
He said his new record label company produced all his music and he was looking forward to releasing a song next month.
“So far it’s been good and I will be dropping another single around June,” he said.