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Johannesburg - On Sunday night, more than a million viewers will witness either Thami Shobede or Noma Khumalo being crowned the country’s newest pop star in a highly anticipated final show at Carnival City in Boksburg.
The 12th season of Idols SA, flighted on Mzansi Magic for the first time, has attracted more than 80 million votes since September.
Thami Shobede
The gorgeous looking Shobede told City Press this week: “I can’t believe I’ve come this far. How did I get here? Who spends their last cent to vote on a stranger?
“I’m grateful that someone out there recognises my talent,” he said.
Shobede, who comes from Mtubatuba in northern KwaZulu-Natal, says that if he wins the prizes – which include R350 000 in cash, a Ford worth R275 900, R100 000 in Truworths vouchers and Telkom products worth R350 000 – it would be selfish for him to put himself first.
“I know that for many people it’s about buying that luxury car you’ve been dreaming to own, but for me I’m going to take my young sister, who recently completed her exams, to a tertiary institution next year,” he said.
“If I win it’s going to be a dream come true. Already last week Sunday, when I performed my single, Sthandwa for the first time, it felt like my life had changed.”
Sthandwa bagged the number one spot on the iTunes SA Single Chart last week immediately after his performance.
Last year he only made it to the top 16, but this year he’s poured his heart into every performance.
About his new single he said: “I fell in love with the song from the first time I saw the lyrics. I could relate to the song because it is about love and I write similar songs.”
Asked whether he was in love, all he could say was: “I know what it is like to be in love.”
This year, Gallo Record Company was appointed as the new record label for the winner after Universal Music withdrew.
Besides music, Shobede would like to see himself on the small screen. “I would like to use my face as an actor or TV presenter,” he said.
Noma Khumalo
Unlike Shobede, Khumalo is not a woman of many words. The student teacher took part in the competition three years ago and was knocked out in the early rounds.
Khumalo, who comes from Pietermaritzburg, said if she won no words could describe how she would feel.
“It is going to be the start of a new chapter of my life. But whatever happens tonight it’s all in God’s will.”
She said she’s not had time to reflect on last week’s performance because of this week’s hectic rounds of radio, TV and press interviews.
Last Sunday, she also performed her first single, Want It To Feel Like It Did With You. She doesn’t yet have plans for the cash prize if she wins.
“All I know is that I’m going to invest it in my education. I want to finish my teaching degree,” she said.
Her advice to young aspiring women artists is: “They shouldn’t give up on their dreams and always remember that education is the key to success.”
Tonight’s show will also feature performances by Kelly Khumalo and Bonginkosi “Zola” Dlamini with Idols’ judge Unathi Msengana who will perform their popular song Sana Lwami.
Talk to us
Who do you think has got what it takes to go far in the music industry: Thami Shobede or Noma Khumalo?
SMS us on 35697 using the keyword IDOLS and tell us what you think. Please include your name and province. SMSes cost R1.50
