Skaqakaqa is the
Best of the worst
WITH so much talent on display at Idols SA, it was always going to be difficult to predict who would take the ultimate title.
But little did Zululanders know that one of their own would come up from behind, literally, to take the Wooden Mic award.
From thousands of entries, Unizulu student and comedian Nzuzo Mhlengi Gumede, aka Skaqakaqa made it to the top after creating a buzz on social media following his audition which brought the judges to tears.
The Zululand Observer had front row seats to this music extravaganza at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria, getting a slice of the live action.
It was a close contest between Nozi Sibiya from uMlazi and Limpopo's Thapelo Molomo, with the ultimate Idols SA season 18 title eventually going to the latter.
On arrival at the arena, it seemed the fans had already chosen their winner, as the 3 000-strong audience sang 'uThapelo lo abamaziyo abazange bambona', showing their support of the Limpopo star.
Watching everything unfold live was different from watching it on the small screen, as you could hear the fans’ excitement during ad breaks.
The two-hour live show seemed short, but filled with an explosion of talented performances.
Nozi dazzled the audience with her rendition of Rihanna's song ‘Please Don't Stop the Music’, while Thapelo held the audience in the palm of his hand during his performance of Makhadzi's song ‘Limpopo’.
New judge and producer JR also thrilled the audience when he took centre stage after a four year break.
The well-known muso thrilled the audience not only with his dance but also when he performed AKA's ‘All Eyes on Me’.
But the highlight of the event was the performance from female judge Thembi who brought back Boom Shaka's songs as she sang ‘Its About Time’.
Other artists included Oskido, who accompanied Thandazo Gatya, Costa Titch and Nigerian singer D'banj. Dignitaries attending the event included Sjava, Jacob Zuma's ex-wife Thobeka Madiba, various mayors, and Police Minister Bheki Cele who came in support of Thapelo who is a police force psychologist.
While Thapelo was announced as overall winner, there is a buzz around KZN finalist and runner-up Nozi, who enjoyed a lot of support from around the province.
Her fans took to social media, wishing her a long career in the music industry, and praising her overwhelming talent which outshone thousands of others.
Speaking to the ZO shortly after the show, Nozi expressed her gratitude for this love and support, and promised her fans they would be seeing her soon.