Meet Somizi's hero of the year: Koyo Bala

Johannesburg -  Koyo Bala may have spent much of 2015 battling painful cancer, but the musician's resolve and attitude has left Somizi inspired.

The Idols judge took to Instagram this week to pay tribute to Koyo, naming him his "hero of the year."

"You may not be aware. But you have inspired a lot of us with your courage. Your fight against cancer. You disclosing your HIV status. Looking at you facing your challenges head strong. You have ignited the fighting spirit in us that we never knew existed," Somizi wrote.

"You were chosen to give us lessons and remind us that is is up to us to win or lose battles. And with you almost to the finish line as a winner, we are encouraged in every aspect of life. Thank you Koyo Bala. Love you," Somizi concluded.

#Respect

My HERO of the year goes to @koyo_bala u may not be aware. But u have inspired a lot of us with yo courage. Yo fight against cancer. U disclosing yo hiv status. Looking at u facing yo challenges head strong. U have ignited the fighting spirit in us that we never knew existed. U were chosen to give us lessons and remind us that is is up to us to win or lose battles. And with u almost to the finish line as a winner, we are encouraged in every aspect of life. Thank u Koyo Bala. Love u

A photo posted by Somizi (@somizi) on Nov 26, 2015 at 9:56pm PST