FOR former street sweeper James Bhemjee's life has become a lot better after his victory in the SA's Got Talent reality show.
The singer left the nation in awe when he won the show last month and walked away with R250,000.
The father of six from Mitchells Plain said his next dream was to find enough money to buy his family a proper house.
"At least now I know where the next meal comes from. Before I did not know where I would get food . life is like that but I feel a little secure now," he said.
On Friday he was congratulated by Cape Town mayor Dan Plato, with the city promising to invite him to sing at future functions.
Plato also congratulated Madalene Abrahams and drummers The Limited Drums Corps, who came second and third, respectively, in the reality show.
Bhemjee, who has been singing for the past 20 years, said he was inspired by the legendary Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
He said he loved teaching youngsters music at school, though "I did not finish my matric and don't have a degree".
He taught for three years at a neighbourhood school before it ran out of money to pay him.
Now he sings with the Cape Flats Tenors Group, performs at various gatherings and teaches other groups around the city.
"I did not grow up with my parents but I haven't looked back and asked them 'why didn't you look after me?'''
"I have moved on and pursued my dream," he said.
Bhemjee now dreams of a proper house
FOR former street sweeper James Bhemjee's life has become a lot better after his victory in the SA's Got Talent reality show.
The singer left the nation in awe when he won the show last month and walked away with R250,000.
The father of six from Mitchells Plain said his next dream was to find enough money to buy his family a proper house.
"At least now I know where the next meal comes from. Before I did not know where I would get food . life is like that but I feel a little secure now," he said.
On Friday he was congratulated by Cape Town mayor Dan Plato, with the city promising to invite him to sing at future functions.
Plato also congratulated Madalene Abrahams and drummers The Limited Drums Corps, who came second and third, respectively, in the reality show.
Bhemjee, who has been singing for the past 20 years, said he was inspired by the legendary Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
He said he loved teaching youngsters music at school, though "I did not finish my matric and don't have a degree".
He taught for three years at a neighbourhood school before it ran out of money to pay him.
Now he sings with the Cape Flats Tenors Group, performs at various gatherings and teaches other groups around the city.
"I did not grow up with my parents but I haven't looked back and asked them 'why didn't you look after me?'''
"I have moved on and pursued my dream," he said.
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