A few months ago very few people knew who Khaya Mthethwa was – now he’s being touted as the favourite to win Idols and is in the top 18 of the reality TV show.
But it hasn’t been an easy journey for the 25-year-old from Umlazi in Durban. Not only does Idols come with huge expectation and pressure, his father, a pastor, was against it.
“I fought with both my parents to a point where we almost didn’t speak for days,” he said.
“My father wanted me to focus on my plans of recording my gospel album this year.”
Today Mthethwa senior is his biggest fan.
“He is extremely proud. My family and friends are so delighted and supportive, it’s amazing, they have all become my campaign managers.”
Mthethwa has set stages alight with his moving performances since entering Idols, so much so that the judges have said it is his show to lose.
But Mthethwa is not getting ahead of himself.
“Anything can happen. All I can do and give is just my best, and lean on God who has got me this far.”
Mthethwa attended the Highway Christian Academy school in Pinetown.
He started singing in junior school at 11 years old.
He said his journey on the reality show had been amazing.
“It has just been a dream come true for me.”
Singing in church laid the foundation of his music career, he said.
Thanks to his vocal coach Charon William-Ross he’s been improving on a daily basis.
One of his many dreams is to record two live DVD albums within the next five years.
On Sunday Mthethwa will find out if he has made it to the all important Top Ten.
Independent on Saturday