Dave van Vuuren releases debut album

Johannesburg – Two months after being crowned the winner of Idols in a nailbiter finale – Dave van Vuuren's debut album Free the Animals is now available in stores.

"My lifelong dream has finally come true so we decided to get things done swiftly," said Van Vuuren on Tuesday.

"It's an incredible feeling. I have worked so hard these past few weeks. It was an intense time. There was even a stage that I did nine shows in seven days. Now my voice is kind of croaky, I am terribly tired, but very happy."

The title of the album, Free the Animals, refers to the name of Dave's band – that currently consists of only two members.

"My friend A'ron Harmse and I write our own music and decide how the other instruments have to fit in around that."

The album consists of 17 tracks, of which three were by composed by Dave himself.

No fear

"I already have plans for my second album which I want to call Cowboys of the Dauntless," said the Idols winner who is known for his passionate performances.

"I believe in having no fear when it comes to living my dream. I am here to make music and I lose myself completely when I sing."

Dave came under fire earlier this month when he was accused of being a "diva" after allegedly throwing a tantrum at a corporate event where he performed.

"Yes," he sighs. "Unfortunately I am not a corporate kind of guy. I am passionate about music and I want to change the world with my music. That's why I was upset that no one really cared that I was on stage and continued to play with their cellphones. However, it's not true that I swore and threw down the microphone. I would never do that."

Free the Animals will be available at selected stores on Thursday and will will be available nationwide on 2 December.