South Africa’s reality television show Idols SA has become the podium of salvation for many talents in the Rainbow Nation. Year in, year out, unknown voices sing their way to prominence on the show, leaving no one in doubt that Mzansi is never in short supply of talents.
This year’s edition of the show is no different. Like previous editions, it spawned several fine talents who wooed the country with their singing. From several voices, the judges had narrowed down the contestants to just three, Mr Music, Zama, and Brandon Dhludhlu, who have already adopted stage names and appear ready to take the world by lyrics.
Interestingly, all three artistes have apparently already signed contracts with the celebrated kwaito musician Oskido’s Kalawa Jazmee Records. But that’s by the way.
What’s particularly notable about all three is that besides finding the same home for their talents (Oskido’s record label), they have also released debut singles. Whether by accident or just a piece of good fortune, Mr. Music’s “Ngikhethe Kahle,” Zama’s “Ndizobizwa” and Brandon Dhludhlu’s “Uhambe,” a collaborative work with Duncan, are currently trending on Apple Music South Africa’s singles chart, just below Big Zulu and his pals’ “Mali Eningi” song.
By a quirk of fate, Brandon Dhludhlu, Zama and Mr Music found themselves on the Idols SA circuit. Also, not only did they end up as the three finalists on the show, they ended up on the same record label and one place below each other on the Apple music chart when they released their debut singles.
Indeed the Idols SA circuit was instrumental to all three artistes charting with their debut singles, the reality shown having thrust the troika in the eyes of the public. But there’s more: their excellent showing on the show had provoked great interest in their art.
Brandon Dhludhlu’s “Uhambe” is unique in the sense that it is the only debut song from this year’s competition that featured a guest artiste. The songster had co-opted Afrotainment signee Duncan, who dropped a rap verse.
In “Uhambe,” Brandon Dhludhlu takes the listener into the world of his ardour and his reluctance to let go of his love interests. Anyone conversant with childhood love and its robust charms, as well as the love discovered much later, will appreciate this upbeat track.
Like Brandon Dhludhlu, Mr Music also bears the message of love in his debut, “Ngikhethe.” In this song, the singer affirms his love for the apple of his desires – or his lady, if you please. It’s a song for those with soul mates or those seeking for one.
On the surface, it might appear like Zamar took a different turn with her song, but she actually had love on her tray as well and served something sumptuous.
Zama’s mid-tempo “Ndizobizwa” track brings to the listener a firm message of patience and perseverance. In this song, the 18-year-old singer sells both virtues as the ultimate wheels of locomotion on the road to the good life.
On the surface, Zama’s “Ndizobizwa” might strike the reader as another motivational tale. But we also think it a tale of love, for it takes love of one’s journey, and it’s ultimate gift – you might say blessings – to keep on walking and not to faint or throw one’s hand in surrender.
Elements of gospel and Afropop flared in Zama’s song.
Mr. Music’s “Ngikhethe Kahle,” Zama’s “Ndizobizwa” and Brandon Dhludhlu’s “Uhambe” are unarguably some of the finest debut singles on the Idols SA circuit. One might also take it as the primary pedestal for all three artistes.
What we have right now is the hour of their daybreak.
