Nozi was the runner-up in a show that featured performances from superstars including D’Banj, AKA, and judges Thembi, JR and Somizi
The finale of Idols SA season 18 came to a spectacular conclusion tonight, with Thapelo Molomo emerging as the winner in one of the most hotly contested seasons of the show yet. Nozi Sibiya was the season’s runner-up.
With 22 million viewer votes this week – bringing the season total to over 120 million – it was a night to remember as the 29-year-old South African Police Service psychologist emerged victorious in front of a full house at Tshwane’s Heartfelt Arena, taking to his knees and praying onstage after his name was called out. He then performed his debut solo single, Phanda.
Alongside the Idols SA season 18 crown, Thapelo walks away with an impressive prize haul: just over R1-million cash, made up of R350,000 in a Standard Bank MyMo account, R300,000 from Spotify and R350,000 from Mzansi Magic; access to a Standard Bank wealth manager; a Toyota Starlet; a fashion voucher from Truworths and his live show outfits, all to the value of R100,000; R85,000 worth of musical equipment from Yamaha; and a recording contract with Kalawa Jazmee Records.
As runner-up, Nozi also wins a recording contract with Kalawa Jazmee, as well as: R50,000 in a Standard Bank MyMo account; a fashion voucher from Truworths and her live show outfits, all to the value of R50,000; and R30,000 from Spotify.
“This has been another spectacular edition of Idols South Africa — 18 seasons is quite a feat, and we’re proud of how well this rendition was received. We would like to congratulate Thapelo, and wish him well on his post-Idols SA journey,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.
“At Mzansi Magic, we are proud that we have provided a stage which has proved to be a launch pad for many careers, and we are confident that this year‘s contestants will grab this opportunity with both hands,” she concludes.
During the finale, Thapelo and Nozi performed their Showstoppers – Master KG and Makhadzi’s Di Boya Limpopo and Rihanna’s Don’t Stop the Music, respectively. The two then duetted, performing Rihanna’s Lift Me Up, with the previously eliminated top 8 contestants as backup singers.
While the show had opened with a glittering rendition of Arya Star’s Bloody Samaritan by the season 18 top 10, the finale was also filled with memorable superstar performances: kwaito legend Oskido collaborating with Mthandazo Gayta, King Talkzin and Deep Sen; season 17 winner Berry; rapper Costa Tich and Alfa Kat; and Nigerian megastar D’Banj.
The judges also put their money where their mouth is by taking the stage – not to share their critique, but to perform. JR Bogopa sang a medley with award-winning rapper AKA; Thembi Seete and her Boom Shaka bandmates played some of their kwaito classics; and Somizi Mhlongo and host ProVerb took on Lil Nas X’s Industry Baby.
Following the show, one lucky viewer will win a draw, with the prize being: R10,000 in a Standard Bank MyMo account; R40,000 worth of Truworths fashion vouchers; R20,000 from Spotify; and a Toyota Starlet.
Summing up the season, Idols SA host and executive producer ProVerb said: “Tonight has been an amazing celebration. Your support of up-and-coming talent has been amazing. Your votes have brought Thapelo to this life-changing moment.”
The show might be over, but you can catch Idols SA season 18 episodes on DStv Catch Up and clips on Mzansi Magic’s official YouTube channel. Season 18 playlists are available for streaming on Spotify.
Bongi Sikelo 
Cece Smith 