Thapelo Molomo.
Photo: Idols SA/Mzansi Magic
- Thapelo Molomo has been crowned the winner of Idols SA season 18.
- The 29-year-old is a non-commissioned officer in the South African Police Service.
- “We are proud of him and wish him all the best. We cannot wait to have him back in office to continue serving our men and women in blue,” Police Minister General Bheki Cele said.
The winner of Idols SA season 18 was announced during a spectacular live finale on Sunday.
After weeks of grueling competition, Nozi Sibiya and Thapelo Molomo took the stage once again at Heartfelt Arena in Tshwane.
Molomo, a non-commissioned officer with the South African Police Service, was crowned the winner. After his name was called out, the 29-year-old knelt and prayed onstage. He then performed his first solo single, fanda.
In a previous interview with News 24Molomo said he was inspired to enter the singing competition because he felt “so ready” to compete for the coveted title. “I think this is my season,” he said.
The South African Police Service congratulated Molomo, who is stationed at the Brits police station in North West.
Molomo has a BA in Psychology (Hons) and began his career in the police service as an intern in the Psychological Services Section and was later employed as a trauma counsellor.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele attended the final on behalf of SAPS.
“The member serves as a beacon of hope for many police officers who deal with psychosocial challenges on a daily basis. He has illustrated to thousands of officers that hard work, determination and perseverance are the foundation of any successful human being,” he said. Cele. .
added:
We are proud of him and wish him the best. We can’t wait to have him back in office to continue serving our men and women in blue.
Along with the title, Molomo walks away with an impressive prize package: just over R1 million in cash, made up of R350,000 in a Standard Bank MyMo account, R300,000 from Spotify and R350,000 from Mzansi Magic; access to a Standard Bank wealth manager; a Toyota Starlet; a Truworths fashion coupon and her live show outfits, all worth R100,000; R85,000 worth of Yamaha music equipment; and a recording contract with Kalawa Jazmee Records.
“Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me,” Molomo said in a video shortly after being crowned the winner.
He continued: “God bless you guys, it’s because of your vote that I made it this far. I’m really thankful for all you’ve done for me.”
“This has been another spectacular edition of Idols South Africa – 18 seasons is quite a feat, and we are proud of how well this version has been received. We would like to congratulate Thapelo and wish him well on his post-Idols SA journey,” he said. Shirley Adonisi, director of local entertainment channels for M-Net.
“At Mzansi Magic, we are proud to have provided a stage that has proven to be a launching pad for many a race, and we are confident that this year’s contestants will seize this opportunity with both hands,” he concluded.
Summing up the season, Idols SA Host and executive producer Proverb said: “Tonight has been an incredible celebration. Your support of emerging talent has been incredible. Your votes have brought Thapelo to this life-changing moment.”
