The musical journey kick started in November 2013 with an
audition process in Durban, East London and Johannesburg, that set to discover
South Africa’s next gospel stars that would go through 13 weeks of gruelling
competition in a bid to impress the judges and the viewers at home.
Since the top ten took to stage, the contestants have been
showcasing a wide range of musical ability leaving both the studio audience and
the viewers at home longing for more.
Occupying the judging panel has been;
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Award-Winning SA Gospel giant- Ntokozo Mbambo-Mbatha. |
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Sharp-tongue record label owner- Tsepo Zuzumuzi Nzimande. |
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Owner and founder of Big Fish Music- Sipho "Big Fish" Makhabane. |
On this season though, music maestro Lindelani Mkhize
returned as a musical mentor to these hardworking hopefuls inspiring each one
to make their mark.
With that said, the standard of this season’s production was
slightly lacking spark from the very first episode that touched ground earlier in
March. This could also be as a result of a crucial prime-time airing time that
competed with popular programmes in other channels.
In May 25, this season’s Top 5 was announced namely, Katludi
(JHB), Nelisiwe (DBN)), Sibusisiwe (EL), Sthembiso (DBN) and Lynnzay (EL). Of
these hopefuls only one will grab the big bucks and walk away with a guaranteed
recording compact.
In June 01, the competition took an unexpected turn when
none of the contestants went home following a heavy sigh moment when Nelisiwe,
Lynnzay and Sthembiso made the bottom three. Sthembiso and Nelisiwe were no
strangers in the bottom seat, however, the musical Lynnzay gave judges a shock with them making utterances like,
“You do not belong in the bottom three”. This could have led to this unforeseen angle
of judgement. This however meant that in the following episode, two people were
standing for the walk of shame after elimination.
Tonight, 08 June, elimination took place as promised. A saddening announcement of two talented talents; Sibusisiwe and Katludi leaving the show took turn. With that leaving Lynnzay, Nelisiwe and Sthembiso battling for the grand prize. The show was however not the same after these two hung up their microphones. During the recording, things literally went from sweet to sour as the disgruntled viewers attempted to leave during the proceedings.
However, lets quickly have a close look at the Top 5 this season.
Lynnzay;
There is a usual saying that “if you want to know how to hit
a note, go to a coloured church”. This contestant proved exactly that. From the
very first day I heard her open her mouth; I knew she was no looser material.
Lynnzay has been a remarkable high ever since she took to stage during the
competition. Her vocal abilities are beyond spectacular. Beyond her voice, she
has presence that fills the stage when she performs. She ministers and leaves
you with Goosebumps after every performance. With a twist of Yolanda Adams in
her range, she is taking a grand stand in the Top 3 for this season. There is no doubt that Lynnzay is another big
thing to hit the gospel music shores in Mzantsi.
Nelisiwe.
This talent has nothing loud in appearance. From a first
glance, she appears ‘ordinary’ but her talent is definitely not. Nelisiwe
started in a little uncertain position in the competition with that earning her
two bottom three episodes. She however managed to redeem herself in each one. I
saw flames from this lady’s performance when she performed a Zulu song (Title
forgotten). In that performance even the most feared judge ‘Zuzumuzi’ was left
thinking about the abducted girls in Nigeria. Nelisiwe gave her soul and
showcased her sound musical knowledge and ability to pitch high notes. For the
gift in her, I can’t help but think of the former Joyous Celebration singer and
backing vocalist- Ntombizodwa Mahlangu. Everytime she sang ‘ithende’, I would
be tempted to say “IHIIII or YHEHEEENI
BO”. She is a power house and like Lynnzay, she is occupying a seat in the Top
3.
Katludi “Team Asijiki”
Katludi, Katludi, Katludi… who needs to go to a Bebe Winnans
concert when we have you? The first time I met Katludi, I knew I had seen him somewhere,
and it hit me, Idols SA in 2011. I immediately knew that the competition had a
bit of a turn up this season as he was no stranger to voting and elimination. Indeed
katludi took every performance to a personal high level. My favourite performance
of him this season was when he perfomed “Never would have made it” by Marvin
Sapp. I found myself standing on my feet and singing along. That’s the kind of
effect his stage renditions had on me and many alike. It’s no secrete that
Katludi had more supporters than any of the other contestants in studio.
Despite his remarkable voice and perfomances though, he now and again received
harsh and solid comments from some of the judges. Zuzumuzi could not hide how happy he was about Katludi
and how he though he was not ‘bringing out himself’. Katludi however continued
to bring his very best till his last stand in the competition. He is definitely
heading towards greatness.
Sibusisiwe.
Sibusisiwe is a gentle dove with chill that says “just hand
me the microphone and let me do my thing”. The red hair talent was different amongst
the rest. From her dress-style to her presentation on stage. Being a polite
contemporary-jazz-gospel artist she is, she faced up to the challenges of
singing some of the traditional gospel offerings as ordered by her mentor. In
an episode before her last, she took to stage featuring another former season
one contestant who has well established himself in the music industry Kgotso.
In her duet, she closed her impressive performance with Sipho Makhabane’s “Zawa” which left the judges well impressed except
for Tsepo Nzimande who believed she was just “MILD”. This remark left many of
#TeamSibu’s supporters in the studio and in social polls with a burden and resolute
to vote. Sibusiswe’s last performance where she sang Jessica Reedy’s God Has
Smiled On Me dragged emotions along with a couple of guests in the audience
wiping watery eyes and goosey skin. My personal favourite performance by her
was when she nailed the famous “Instrument of Praise” by The Clark Sisters. There’s
no doubt Sibusisiwe is breaking all the stereotypical rules in the music scene
with her rare approach to gospel music. A trend setter in a pathway.
Sthembiso
This one is a fighter. From occupying the bottom 3 morethan
twice, he has proven that he is no “weakest link” as Nzimande once remarked. He
is another gentle singer who can effortlessly merge contemporary with
traditional and give other contestants a run for their talent. Sthembiso has
literally evolved throughout the competition. He has moved from a talented yet
shy singer to a stage occupying brave singer. It has been such a pleasure
observing him throughout the competition. He also has a very distinct signature
voice. Ntokozo Mbambo made it no secret of how impressed she was with his
bottom notes and how she taught he was improving in every performance. Although
he seemed ready to go home after every last performance due to a few votes, the
judges kept him on with a lifeline till he made it to the TOP 3. Although this
came as a surprise to many following his numerous lifelines, Sthembiso is now
battling for the grand prize with two other contestants in the Top 3.
This far, the competition has been a rollercoaster ride,
from pick-up cheery moments to lowdown saddening ones. With Sibusisiwe and
Katludi out of the competition, the question still remains, who will be crowned
South Africa’s News gospel sensation between Nelisiwe, Lynnzay and Sthembiso.
So, last week's bottom 3 miraculously made it as the top 3 finalists of the competition... after being saved by the judges, the week before... I guess miracles still do occur... then the 2 who had the most votes, landed in the bottom 3 and were the weakest of them all... i see!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks bye