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Cape Town – Thembeka Mnguni was the first talent on The Voice SA who had three coaches turn their chairs during her blind audition.
Under the mentorship of rocker Karen Zoid she is blossoming into one of the best singers and a fan favourite on the reality show.
It’s hard to believe that the powerhouse singer initially did not want to enter the show.
“I did not have any plans to enter the competition. The only reason I did was because a friend of mine forced me to,” she says.
This is not the first time Thembeka has entered a singing competition. She entered Idols twice and failed to advance past the theatre week phase of the competition.
“I had been rejected so many times that I didn’t really believe that I could make it far in the competition. I started doubting my talent,” she says.
The 32-year-old, who hails from Durban, has certainly come a long way since that first audition and coach Karen is making good on her promise on taking her through to the top 2.
“She’s an awesome coach. She believes in me and in my talent and that makes me believe in myself. I thank God for her. Working with Karen has given me such valuable experience,” she says.
For Thembeka the journey so far has been amazing.
“I struggle with self-doubt but when I get onto that stage I let go of my inhibitions and I give my all. Through the show I’ve come to realise just how much I have wanted to sing and perform.”
She continues: “It is such a positive show, and even though it is a competition, we are all friends. We help each other and support each other and when one leaves we cry.”
While things have been going well for her on the show, her life outside of the show has been dealt a blow. During last week’s episode she revealed that she had been fired from her job at a recruitment agency due to her participation in The Voice SA.
“I know with my experience in the field I won’t be without I job, but I don’t want to go back to the corporate world.”
She continues: “If I don’t win I’m going to hustle hard in the music industry. I’ll do shows; sing at casinos and hotels, something I would have never considered before. This experience has given me the confidence to now go out and market myself.”
But for now, her eye is set on the prize and this week’s performance.
“I’m a soul, R&B singer. This week I’ll be doing a slow, sweet song. Hopefully, you’ll love it,” she says.
See her first audition here:
Tune in to The Voice SA on Sundays at 17:00 on M-Net (DStv 101).
(Photos: Supplied)
