adminMelissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
Sunday evenings will not be the same again with the return of Idols South Africa. Yesterday evening marked that time of the year where people, especially Africans, unite to poke fun at wooden mic contestants while South Africans vote furiously for their favourites, to keep them in the competition. The leading talent competition which began screening on DStv’s Mzansi Magic (161) and M-Net (channel 101) yesterday, returned with a new judge, Somizi Mhlongo. From being behind-the-scenes, having choreographed Idols SA last year, the actor, dancer, TV presenter, and choreographer, affectionately known as Somgaga or Madam Gigi was introduced to viewers as the fourth judge. He joins the popular Idols SA judges Randall Abrahams, Unathi Msengana and Gareth Cliff who have kept many TV viewers glued to the screens over the years.
An excited Somgaga told South Africa’s IOL: “I’m bringing pizzazz, great energy and my 30 years’ worth of experience that I’ve had in this industry.”
He urged shortlisted contestants to be at their best because he, like Randall, will be a no-nonsense judge as he hopes to get the cream of South African talent.
“You can expect me to be unpredictable and completely honest and I expect the contestants to be more than their voices. I don’t just want a voice. I’m looking for someone who has a good voice, the right image and who is street smart enough for the entertainment business,” Somgaga said.
Asked what he would be bringing to the judging panel, Somgaga said: “I’ll be bringing my energy and personality. I’ll be open and honest without crushing anyone’s dreams. If something is bad, I’ll say it as is, but when someone is good, I’ll stand on the table and shout it out.”
The choreographer said he blended in well with other judges and the chemistry between them would have them running like a well-oiled machine.
“My relationship with Unathi is more than a decade old so it’s a familiar space with her. Randall, that’s more an older and wiser kind of chemistry. With Gareth, I could say we’re just boys being boys.”
Msengana said Mhlongo has come with a wonderful new energy and spirit.
“He has spontaneity in his judging that you’ll never know what to expect, and that’s wonderful,” Msengana said.
“Somizi has showbiz running through his veins and that passion comes through in everything he does.
“It’s this very passion he has brought on to the Idols judging panel.”
M-Net’s head of publicity, Lani Lombard said: “After last season’s success, with a record-breaking 24 million votes being cast, this season’s episodes will be two hours long.”
It remains to be seen how Somgaga will perform his judging duties as fans of the show now know that Randall will be brutally honest, Gareth firing off witty remarks while Unathi is bound to shed tears.
Lombard however urged viewers to brace themselves for drama from Somgaga, who is always full of energy.
“Prepare yourselves for the highest level of energy, Somizi’s trademark pizzazz, and all kinds of spontaneous moves. But, he’ll also impress with his practical music knowledge and deep insight into the world of showbiz,” Lombard said.
The Idols SA 2015 auditions which were conducted in Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban in January and February will all be screened on the Idols SA Extra channel (DStv channel 199). The lucky few who will receive a golden ticket will face the music again before the final 16 sing for the voting public.
Last year’s Idols SA winner – Vincent Bones walked away with a R700,000 cash prize and drove away in a Ford Fiesta Titanium after singing his heart out. He managed to release his debut album recently. This year’s winner will also walk away with instant fame, a recording contract for their first album, a car and prize money which is yet to be revealed.
Having been in the entertainment industry for over a decade, Somgaga says he has learnt a thing or two about what it takes to have longevity in a precarious career.
“Winning Idols doesn’t mean you get to skip the hard work that comes with building a loyal fan base. In fact, it means you’ve to work 10 times harder and make the most of all publicity you’ve gotten from the show.
“As an entertainer, you’ve to take yourself seriously because you’re in business. You’ve to be disciplined when it comes to perfecting your craft and you must be professional at all times.” Somgaga said.
Online Reporter