Idols grows PRO's career - MC happier as family man and muso

IDOLS Season 10 is hotting up, with the top 11 set to be announced on Sunday.

IDOLS Season 10 is hotting up, with the top 11 set to be announced on Sunday.

Since he joined the cast of Idols, in its sixth season, hip-hop artist Tebogo Thekiso, aka ProVerb, has become the popular face of the music talent showtogether with its three judges - Unathi Msengana, Gareth Cliff and the hard-to-please Randal Abrahams.

Unlike many hosts who have come and left, ProVerb has used his stay at Idols to also venture behind the scenes as a producer.

As co-owner of production company Sic Entertainment, he says he enjoys having more input on Idols' content.

ProVerb is the fifth host of the show since it started in 2001. He has previously collaborated with one of Idols' finalists, Boki, on a single titledParadise in his fourth album FourthWrite.

Sowetan chats to 33-year-old ProVerb about his experiences onIdols.

Sowetan: How has your journey with Idols been?

ProVerb: This is by far the best gig of my entire career. I have developed immensely as a TV presenter. I ventured into production and [I have] grown as a brand.

Are there contestants from previous seasons that you still keep in touch with or mentor musically?

I have had the privilege of collaborating musically with some former Idols like Khaya and Boki. I've also shared the stage with Lloyd Cele, Graham Watkins and Jodi and have emceed many events where our Idols have been on the line-up.

Besides Boki, have you roped in any other Idols?

I was featured on Khaya's debut album on a single called A Little Means A Lot which yielded  a few performances including one at the SA Music Awards.

What is your role behind the scenes and how did that come about?

My role is to support the production team while also focusing on the content - from contributing to the script to the music.

Do you feel thatIdols has stagnated your music career and performances?

[On the contrary], Idols has grown my brand and my music career. My appeal is a lot broader now. I'm on the verge of releasing my fifth studio album and will be celebrating a decade as a recording hip-hop artist in 2015. I do a lot more corporates than [I did] before.

How do you juggle Idols with fatherhood?

I don't juggle anything, I prioritise my family. They come before it all. I involve them and they travel with me and come to many of the live recordings as well.

What lessons are you giving to your children?

I have a son and a daughter. My son is five years old and I'm raising him to be a respectful, well-mannered young man. I'm teaching my son to be a gentleman and to treat ladies with respect starting with his mom and sister.

You went to a boot camp last year to shed some kilos, tell us about it.

I weighed in at 100kg and I was really unhappy. I was lazy, lethargic, moody and had a low self-image. I started a rigorous gym and made a lifestyle change with my relationship with food. I've since lost 20kg and am proud of it.

What are your views on the talent this season?

Idols always uncovers amazing talent and this year is no different. The transition from theatre week to performances is always my favourite as this is where you begin to see what the contestants are made of.

mahlanguba@sowetan.co.za

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