Down to the wire for 'Idols' hopefuls

For years it seemed that death haunted Idols SA's hopeful Mthokozisi Ndaba.

In 10 years he buried 11 members of his family including his parents, his two infant sons and a few cousins.

He survived a gun attack shortly after his golden ticket audition.

His fortunes have taken a turn for the better with him reaching the finals of the popular Mzansi Magic singing talent contest.

Ndaba, 25, goes head to head with Paxton Fielies, 17, in what promises to be a hard-fought match on Sunday at Carnival City, Brakpan.

Speaking to Sowetan yesterday, a reflective Ndaba from Kwa-Mashu, KZN, said he was ready.

"I am nervous but also thankful. I don't know how I made it thus far, if it's not by the grace of God and support of South Africans," he said.

Ndaba is leaving nothing to chance as he rallies his supporters #TeamMthokozisi to keep voting and not let up.

"Winning will change my life forever," he said.

"When I look back at where I come from, I realise it's been with the help of God. I also believe no one was born to suffer all their life, at some point you harvest what you have sown."

In preparation for Sunday, Ndaba said they were given enough time to rest while keeping fit and going to rehearsals, adding that when he wins the title, he would dedicate it to his parents and his late sons Ntandoyenkosi and Oluhle.

"I was aiming for top 10 and now I can smell the victory."

Looking over his Idols journey, Ndaba said performing songs like Storm is Over, Made to Love You and So Sick took him back to his own reality.

"They left me emotionally exhausted because they related to my life. Part of me is scared of death and another part is not. We all know that everybody is going to die, but I've resolved to embrace life and do whatever I need to do.

"Go through your pain, it will pay you and make you a better man."

Meanwhile, Fielies is also psyching herself up for the epic duel. "I'm great," she said.

"It's all sinking in and I appreciate the platform given to me and the blessings, I'm ready to reap what I've sown."

She said she appreciated the support from her community (in Cape Town). "A lot of things are happening and there are distractions, but we keep supporting each other's dreams."

She said her mother, Crystal, remains the most important person. "She's been there for me, a rock and an amazing mother."

The lass from Bishop Lavis said performing Side to Side on her birthday was a highlight. Already touted as a favourite to win as early as top-nine stage, Fielies said she's had to keep her cool. "I saw a lot of those comments and they stressed me out and put a lot of pressure on me, but mostly motivated me.

"I want this really badly. It's not only about winning and the prizes, but me growing as an artist and experience new things."

The Grade 11 learner at Belhar School of the Arts said music was her passion and, whatever the outcome on Sunday, she will consider staying in Johannesburg to pursue bigger opportunities.

"I would have to finish school through correspondence, because this is where the work is at."

She said winning would change her life drastically. "Imagine a 17-year-old with a R1m in their account."

"It would be amazing, people know who I am and they are willing to listen to me. It would be a great opportunity to venture into other things."

She said she would also look after her mother who works at Cape Town International Airport, noting that she was happy with her single. "It's young and fresh, and only one of many to come. I hope it goes international," she added.

Idols SA finale will be broadcast live from Carnival City on Sunday from 5pm on Mzansi Magic.