Sizwe Sibiya
With Somizi Mhlongo back on the panel and new judges Thembi Seete and JR Bogopa by his side, Idols SA struck the right note as the eighth season of the competition got underway.
Premiering on DStv streaming partner Showmax and Mzansi Magic channel 161, the opening episode introduced us to some interesting talents to say the least.
From King Williams Town in the Eastern Cape, Zwadesh Tshatshu blew the judges away with his acoustic guitar and a complementing voice to start off the show. But the 25-year-old contestant did not have to play his guitar for too long.
Mhlongo took over drumming a beat on the desk like a schoolkid while Tshatshu continued singing a capella.
“My neighbour oh my gosh, I knew he played! I’m so happy for him,” cried Nomawabo Sitela, commenting on his now trending video.
After getting his “golden ticket” to the next stage, he was followed by another singer who matched his guitar playing talents using only her voice, Nozi Sibiya.
The 27-year-old from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal poured her heart out, singing “Hard Place” by American singer H.E.R.
But it was the performance by Nikita Khan, also from Durban, that drew an emotional response from the judge.
Overcoming her anxiety and stage fright, Khan, who works as a junior stock controller, got three yeses “for effort” and unfortunately three noes for the next round. But she managed to get herself a golden ticket from the show for overcoming decades of stage fright.
Meanwhile Seete and Bogopa fitted right into the shoes of former judges Randall Williams and Unathi Nkayi, who had been axed from judging the new season.
Mhlongo keeps the millions who follow the competition entertained; with a rich music background, Seete keeps the show going; while Bogopa, who is also a music producer, focuses on the music. This appears to be the recipe for season 8, and we can’t wait to see what’s to come.
Image source: ShowMax
