The sun was out and so are Idols hopefuls. Pretoria is vibrant and oozing personality and pizazz. First in line is Dumisile Mchunu pictured above. She is inspired by her two boys to give it a try on a quest of being the next Mzansi’s Idol. “I want my 5-year-old and 1-year-old to see me on TV and be proud of their mom. The 29 year old works in a paralegal firm and this is her last opportunity to audition as she turns 30, currently based in Pretoria she hails all the way from Estcourt in Kwazulu-Natal. Dumisile started queuing from Friday at 22h00.
Aviwe Sono is a 25-year-old young man with soul. It is his second time auditioning for Idols and says, “I’m here to express my musical ability and I will let the judges decide if I’m what they are looking for or not.” Aviwe is into reggae music, jazz and soul. He enjoys listening to Bob Marley. Anything soulful Aviwe is your man. He is an only child and is from Centurion. He finished his multimedia studies in 2018 at the TUT arts campus. Sono says his creativity is at its best when he is alone in a room with his music. Being the only child at home there’s pressure for him to do well and success means helping his family. He is hungry for this and ready to kill his audition.
25-year-old Queen Mabena is auditioning for the third time. She is currently a Law student at Unisa doing her second year. Queen is from Mpumalanga but now lives in Mamelodi. She is into pop and loves Lira and Zonke. Queen will be auditioning with Lira’s Feel Good. Mabena sings in church. The law student is auditioning with her sister and says her family is very supportive of her passion for singing. She says she is nervous but when she gets on stage she is going to sing! In her own words “giving up is not an option, go for your dreams no matter what.”
Music heals me says Nqabakazi Tilese. This bubbly 22-year-old lady will be singing Ami Faku’s inde lendlela. She is from Pretoria and is auditioning for idols SA for the third time. She is perusing music because this is what she really loves. All types of music move her, she mentions that she is into RNB, soul, Afro pop and that she is a fan of Khaya Mthethwa, Zonke, Lira to name a few. Nqabakazi says her family is supportive especially her mom and sister. Life has been tough but through music she has made it through her difficulties.
Kabo Matala is 26 years old and is from Hammanskraal. It’s Kabo’s fourth time auditioning. He is into hip hop and pop, a Rihanna and Nicki Minaj fan. “My family knows I’m a star and I just need the platform to showcase my capabilities.” He says his family is very supportive. He currently works for a business that sells herbal products. Kabo’s message to fellow singers is to not give up, maybe life is trying to teach you something before you reach that place, in the meantime be happy and pray. He says feedback from the judges is sometimes difficult to hear but it makes you aware and improve in the areas you need to work on. Kabo studied Hospitality and tourism and is feeling confident before his audition.
Thabang Mokoena is 25 years old and it is his first time auditioning. He says he is not genre specific with his love for music as long as there is a message and a melody. He loves old music because it speaks to him, such as Oliver Mtukudzi. Mokoena recently discovered Afrotraction and he is enjoying it. The young man says do not be apologetic about your talent, but there’s a thin line between confidence and arrogance, just do it and give yourself a chance. Thabang has been singing from an early age, he has been singing mostly at Church, Hillsong in Pretoria. He says his mother and gran sing and that’s where he gets his talent from. Thabang studied Social work at Wits.
JP Hunan is 21 and is auditioning for the first time. He is with his girlfriend who is also auditioning. JP loves Bruno Mars and the golden oldies he says. “I’m not really into the modern music”. He is currently a porter at a hospital. He was part of a band at school and also did drums after leaving the band. He is an ordinary guy looking for a chance at fame. He is excited about auditioning and looks forward to the results. JP was born in Pretoria and now lives on his own.
Ntombikayise Maluleka is 21 years old and it’s her fist time auditioning. She is from Mpumalanga and she has been singing since she was 15. Ntombikayise is a first year student at Unisa studying accounting science. I am the only one in my family who can sing. “I’m shy but when I get comfortable I’m free.”
21-year-old Khanyisile Ngwenya from Sunrise Park in North West currently stays in Pretoria West as she is a third-year student in financial accounting. This is her first-time entering Idols SA. The Amanda Black look alike never had the courage to audition for Idols and now she knows she can do this. She said, “not only that I look like Amanda Black I can also sing like her.” When everyone told her that she looks like Amanda Black she never believed till her mom told her so.
The vibey Snena Mashiane (21) from Freedom Park has stayed in Bulgaria and worked as a volunteer in an old age home. “Being a black person in Bulgaria is intriguing as people get to experience other cultures through you’ she said. She currently works at her father’s radio station and often spends her time in studio making music. Not only does she feel unique with her choice of music, she also finds inspiration in music and that’s what keeps her going at her all times.
Hope Malele is from Hilbrow and her hope is to showcase her music talent, but also her acting talent. The 18-year-old is studying nursing and she is inspired by the fact that she is multitalented.
One of the Tshwane Gospel Choir members also came to showcase her talent and love for music. Ntokozo Mvelase is a 20-year-old from Mamelodi she is more than emotionally ready to take her life to the next level. Ntokozo says Idols SA is such a great platform to launch yourself and make it in the music industry.
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