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- Idols SA season 18 winner Thapelo Molomo says his authenticity and hard work will sustain him in his career.
- Molomo was announced as the singing competition's winner at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria.
- The honours degree holder says he has no intentions of leaving the police force and will multitask the two as he has done previously.
While his name is still fresh on everyone's lips, following his recent victory in Idols SA, season 18 winner Thapelo Molomo says his authenticity and hard work will keep him there.
The warrant officer claimed victory at the singing competition's finale at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria on Sunday.
Speaking to News24, as he still processed the achievement, Molomo said his "authenticity in music" and "hard work, more than anything", will keep him on top.
"I want to be in the studio and start working so I can push myself now," he said. "I don't want to wait for people to spoon-feed me with opportunities; I'm going to stand up as Thapelo and push."
The proud "Christ fan" added that the win would not have been possible without God's grace.
"That relationship sustained me to get to where I am; it's through His grace," Molomo said. "I'm a Christ fan in everything in my life. It's him only that made it possible."
Along with the title, Molomo received a brand new Toyota Starlet and a whopping R1 million cash prize, among others, as part of his winnings. The new millionaire said he already had plans to invest in property.
Despite achieving his dream of winning Idols SA, he said he has no intentions of hanging up his uniform.
Molomo, who holds an honours degree in psychology, is a registered counsellor in the police's employee health and wellness department. He provides counselling and proactive psychological intervention to alleviate mental health ills for police officers and their families.
"I will multitask – I'll do music and still work full-time. I've been doing that before and managed quite well."
He added that his fellow men and women in blue had become his family.
"I'm passionate about both, and they work together," he said.
Proving true to being one big family, police minister Bheki Cele was among the dignitaries in attendance at the finale to cheer Molomo on and congratulate him upon winning. Cele congratulated him and said that he brought a softer side to the police force, often thought to be robust.
[NOW] #IdolsSA winner @Thapelo_molom Minister Cele following his win tonight at the #IdolsSA competition. He says the win has been a long time coming and despite the price money, he will be returning to serve in the @SAPoliceService responsible for mental wellness of officers. pic.twitter.com/YFxKQSfWbM
— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) November 13, 2022
Molomo intends to create his own path within the music industry, but season 11 runner-up Mmatema Moremi was someone he looked up to. Molomo said she worked hard and has been "pushing".
Similar to Moremi, he intends to pursue the gospel genre and work with Pastor Benjamin Dube and wants to go into afro-soul and work with Master KG.
"I'll be doing inspirational songs," Molomo said.
LISTEN TO THAPELO'S DEBUT SINGLE HERE:
