Fashioning Modern Africanism

Only three remain in  Idols SA ’s iLast Number farewell season From the thousands that entered this season's  Idols SA , only three remain, and only two will stand head-to-head in the grand finale on Saturday 4 November. This week saw the top 3; Thabo, Princess and Faith, set the stage for an evening filled with anticipation and incredible performances.   The night was divided into three distinct rounds, each showcasing a different side of the contestants. In the first round, they partnered with the renowned DJs; Heavy K and Deep London, delivering explosive performances that had the audience on their feet. Round two had each contestant revisiting their most memorable song of the season, providing both nostalgia and a chance to demonstrate growth. The final round was deeply personal, as each contestant took on their idols' songs, paying homage to the artists who inspire them. Thabo's spectacular night The praise from fans and celebrities alike, including a notable tweet fro

Last night Idols SA  season 19 contestants brought romance as they sang songs that make weddings fun, d espite the pressure being the most intense it’s been so far, this week’s  Idols SA  edition was a celebratory one, as the newly minted top 9 hit the stage in their wedding best. Following viewer votes, making it to the  Idols SA  season 19 top 9, in no particular order, were: Niikiey, Lungelo, Faith, Nkosi, Thando, Princess, Thabo, Envic, and Sena. Sadly, it was time for Lungile to say goodbye to  Idols SA . The theme saw the top 9 perform songs from the ultimate South African wedding playlist, bringing i-step to the florally decked-out Mosaïek Teatro stage.  Niikiey kicked off the show with Malaika’s  Mmatswale , to praise from the judges. Somizi Mhlongo had career words of advice: “Do you want to make a lot of money in music? Then this is your genre, mntwan’am. It was your concert.” Next to take the stage was Lungelo, who took on Etta James’  At Last . The judges loved her performa

The Gents had a tough act to follow after the ladies last week, but were up to the task The second live show of  Idols SA  season 19 saw the men of the top 12 throw their hats in the ring for a place in the final-ever top 10. Just like their female counterparts did last week, the guys collaborated with former  Idols SA  winners and finalists for stunning duets. Five guys and five girls will make up the top 10 being announced next week, chosen entirely by viewers’ votes. First to take the Mosaïek Teatro stage was Thando, who teamed up with season 11 winner Karabo to sing his track  Khakhati . His solo showing was Kaylow’s  Noma . JR Bogopa and Somizi Mhlongo commented that it was a “good way to start the show”, with the latter saying: “You are one of the best vocalists in this competition.” Next up was Faith, whose duet with season 14 winner Yanga was Hillsong’s  So Will I . His solo song was Bhudaza’s  Tjontjobina , earning praise from all judges. Thembi declared: “Take me to church ri

The ladies performed duets with high-profile past contestants and winners for a killer show High emotion, higher notes and blockbuster duets: that’s how the first live show of  Idols SA  season 19 kicked off. The six ladies who are part of the top 12 set the stage ablaze, performing at the Mosaïek Teatro in Johannesburg in front of a spirited 2 500-strong audience.   With their fate now entirely in viewers’ hands, the performers sang their hearts out for precious votes by teaming up with former  Idols SA  winners and finalists, before going at it alone.   Kicking things off was Lungile, who collaborated with season 14 winner Yanga on  Not Yet Uhuru  by Letta Mbulu. Her solo performance was a rendition of Lloyiso and Langa Mavuso’s  Inhliziyo . Thembi Seete called Lungile’s performance “a powerful way to start the show”, while Somizi Mhlongo said: “You were quite nervous in your first song, but your second one redeemed you to the core. Now I am going to remember you.”   Next up was Niik