Thami hits Idols top 16

AFTER securing his spot in the Top 16, local Idols SA contestant Thami Shobede is one step closer to taking home the gold.

The 27-year-old Reserve Force member said he was honoured to be part of the top 16 contestants to progress to the final rounds.

Despite taking part in the competition to make a better life for himself, Thami’s motivation lies in the people who have been inspired by his success.

‘I believe I have somehow started a movement,’ Thami told the Zululand Observer.

‘People from deep rural KZN have been grabbing my attention on social media, telling me what a moving story my life is to them and how they are inspired to stand up and fight for a better life.’

Growing up around the Mandeni, Mtubatuba and Nkwalini areas, Thami joined the military to escape his poor background. After his mother left to seek a job in Johannesburg, he was left to fend for himself from the tender age of eight.

Throughout the competition, Thami’s success has been a result of being both unique and recognisable to the public.

‘I personally believe in working the hardest, especially in music – my talent alone cannot take me to the top,’ said Thami.

The journey

Aside from being in the Top 16, some of his highlights have included the moment he was presented with the golden ticket, as well as working with some of his all-time heroes.

‘I cannot walk the streets of Mtubatuba without people recognising me, which is just incredible.’

While most of his fan base is from around the province, he continues to have a string of supporters from his home town.

‘I would like to ask all the Zululanders to stand up and support their own.’

‘I will inspire more of our Zululand youth to become journalists, musicians, dancers and even international award-winning TV personalities, as opposed to all the things that life denies.’

‘Passion can take you places that only your mind had imagined.’