Former Idols contestant speaks out about why she was withdrawn from Idols
Her motto in life is to go big or go home.
Vosloorus resident Siyakha Tshayela, who is a talented vocalist and songwriter, said her withdraw from season 12 of Idols South African was somehow a blessing in disguise.
The 25-year-old has been part of the well-known gospel group Joyous Celebration since last year.
She has also staged a successful one-woman show titled “Unapologetic” in December, in Vosloorus.
Tshayela’s Idols exit comes after she was released from the competition due to a contractual dispute she had with a private recording company she was said to be signed under.
“Three years ago I signed with this company, but they never promoted any of my work. In January 2016 I sent them a termination of contract letter.
“When Idols auditions opened in February I seized the opportunity. This is when I received correspondence from the same recording company who said I shouldn’t be part of Idols since I was still signed with them.
“I contacted the management of Idols to inform them of what was happening and the matter with the recording company was now contested legally.”
According to Tshayela, the recording company alleged she owed them money for the songs they have released.
“In the end, I was booted out of Idols with the court ruling in my favour saying that I don’t have to pay the money because my father was unemployed.”
Tshayela highlighted that her contract with the recording company ends next year (2019) and until then she will be free to release her own songs or album.
Tshayela said she lost trust in people in the music industry due to the debacle.
“With everything that I’ve gone through my family was very supportive and they gave me the strength to carry on, regardless of the situation.”
Last performance she did when she was in the top 16:
- Moving on
While on her way to Limpopo last year early, Lindelani Mkhize from Joyous Celebration called her to join Ignite, a music group.
“Luckily while still with Ignite, Joyous Celebration needed someone for the alto part and that’s how I ended up with Joyous Celebration. I am enjoying every moment with the group. We are like one big family and we look out for each other.”
The singing sensation has also performed at the Satma Awards and has shared the stage with musicians like Ringo Madlingozi, Brenda Mthambo, Tebello Sukwene, Benjamin Dube and Siphokazi.
She also recently featured on Benjamin Dube’s DVD where she sang Ngangingazi.
The 25-year-old’s plan for this year is to host her own show in May at the Lyric Theatre. She is hoping to feature Mmatema Moremi, who is also a former Idols contestant.
- Future goals
Her other ambitions include establishing her own recording label in a few years to become an international brand.
She also has a music school called Melody Kitar where she teaches people how to sing.
Tshayela shared with the Advertiser that she has found a new passion in acting.
“I’ve started attending auditions to better myself and polish my acting skills because I have always loved acting. One thing that people don’t know about me is that I like to dance as well.”
Tshayela said she grew up in a warm family environment with her siblings, mother and father who is a musician.
“I don’t like being classified as a gospel artist but I want to be recognised as a musician as I can tackle any genre and I excel in it.”
