Mpumalanga lass wins ‘Idols SA’
A 19-year old young lady from Witbank is the winner of ‘Idols SA’ season 16. Zama Khumalo walked away bagged herself R1 million in cash, a recording contract from Kalawa Jazmee, Samsung products to the value of R150 000, a brand new Toyota Starlet 1.4, Truthworths clothing voucher to the value of R100 000, a Kymco Xciting 400 scooter to the value of R120 000 and Yamaha musical instruments to the value of R80 000.
Khumalo cried tears of joy when Proverb announced that she had sung her way to becoming the 16th winner of ‘Idols SA’. Ten months ago, Zama and Mr Music joined hundreds of young Souths Africans who dreamt of becoming the next South African Idol and on Sunday, that dream came true for Zama. Khumalo said she decided to audition after being encouraged by her loved ones.
Khumalo has made it clear that she had the stage presence and star power to reach the top as this year’s “Idols SA”, with some of her performances bringing tears to judge Unathi Nkayi and praises from Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung.
With more than 20 million votes cast over the past week, Sunday’s announcement came at the end of a musical feast that brought together some of the most renowned Mzansi acts all on one stage, showcasing the best talent South Africa has to offer.
Performers on the list that included last year’s “Idols SA” winner Luyolo Yiba, DJ Zinhle and Loyiso, Cassper Nyovest, Busiswa, Kamo Mphela, Reece Madlisa & Zuma, Ami Faku, Vusi Nova and the Mzansi Gay Choir. The night belonged Khumalo and Mr Music. The top 10 also returned to perfom for the last time on the “Idols SA” stage.
Mr Music does not leave the stage empty-handed, he walks away with R50 000 in cash from Samsung, along with some of the latest Samsung products, R50 000 in cash in an Old Mutual Money account and R50 000 worth of fashion from Truworths.
Ms Nomsa Philiso, the Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net said they are excited that Mzansi Magic has, once again, provided platforms for young South Africans to launch their careers, and this season was no different.
“We would like to congratulate tonight’s winner as well as all the contestants that were part of this season. As the competition continues to open up the industry, we would like to also express our gratitude to our valued sponsors for all the amazing prizes that our winner will get, as well as thank all our viewers for taking time to vote,” said Philiso.
With this season wrapped up, the hunt will soon be on for the 17th Idol – but with one significant change. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all auditions will be held online. Hopefuls will need to record themselves and send a clip to Idols to throw their name in the hat to follow in the footsteps of Zama.
Speaking about her future plans, Khumalo said she wants her upcoming album to give her fans music that they can relate to and that the music should accommodate the older generation as well. She advised others that they should knock on doors and not take any opportunity offered for granted if they want to successfully pursue their dreams.
She said she plans to keep in contact with her supporters give them content and work hard so she can be able to keep her brand alive. Khumalo said she is inspired by Kelly Khumalo because she does different genres of music and that she would like to work with Amanda Black.
“Being an ultimate winner is a dream come true, it is my biggest achievement yet. I am really excited about the opportunity to work Kalawa, I’m read to work and learn more about music. I am more excited about making music now that I’m given the platform. Thank you so much for all your support, all your beautiful messages. I really appreciate it,” she said.