South African Idols make some ching

Johannesburg - It’s been three weeks since South African Idols wrapped for season eight, but the action has not stopped for most of the finalists.

Last week, winner Khaya Mthethwa received seven stitches on his face after he was cut open by a palisade fence when excited fans jumped on him in Umlazi,but that didn’t dampen his spirits on Wednesday when his single went to number one on local charts.

While Mthethwa is revelling in the VIP life and travelling up and down the country, the runners-up are also not doing too shabbily.

Dumi Masilela, who was eliminated from the Top 18, has scooped a role on e.tv’s Rhythm City.

Obakeng Ramaboa, the first to get chopped from the Top 10, said he was doing small gigs with his group and working on his solo career.

“I am featured in a song with DJ Sbu for his new album,” he said.

Top Five contestant Shekhinah Donnell said she was “busy, busy, busy” between studying for exams and performing all over Durban.

Also cashing in on corporate, school and wedding events are Simphiwe Gwegwe, Chloe Kiley, Tshidi Tenyane, Mellisa Allison and Monde Msutwana.

“I am trying to record and write some music in the meantime, but I cannot release until Khaya releases his full album because that is what our contract says,” said Tenyane.

Kiley, who made it to the final eight, said: “While I wait for the contract to expire, I am compiling my own album with the money I am raising from club gigs.”

Northern Cape’s Gwegwe is so intent on making his mark that he has even moved permanently to Joburg.

“I am hustling, I have auditioned for acting roles and I am carrying on with my singing and with writing my music,” he said.

- City Press

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Melissa Booed as Khaya Wins SA Idols

Shortly after winning season 8 of South African Idols, Durbanite Khaya Mthethwa was appalled to find out that his runner-up and friend Melissa was booed before her performance at the final show of Idols 2012. “If I was in the audience I would have been very disappointed” said Khaya who walked away with half a million Rands and a brand new Ford Fiesta, ironically the same colour that he used in his music video for his latest single, “Move”. The Joyous Celebration singer also praised the Port Elizabeth born contestant saying she worked hard to get this far in the competition and gave him a run for his money. Khaya also dismissed claims that he was head hunted by the show to be the first black winner and he believed he won on merit because if he couldn’t sing, then the viewers wouldn’t have voted.
 While we wait for Khaya’s album, Melissa will also be going to studio and is said to be working on a dance album after the end of this season while planning to explore her acting skills. This has been the most successful Idols show in all 8 seasons with more than 3 million votes counted for the finale alone.
 Congratulations to Khaya and well done to Melissa for getting that runner-up prize of 100k from KFC. -->