Idols winner Vincent Bones pays tribute to his roots

He himself was taken in there after being a street child for several years.

The 29-year-old is originally from Eldorado Park, but lived on the streets of Pretoria after the death of his mother and uncle.

“I wish I knew back then that everything I was going through was preparing me for this life. I wish my teenage self knew. I would have relaxed a bit and not worried so much,” said Vincent.

Life changed for the better when he won Idols, walking away with a prize package worth more than R800 000, which includes a recording contract with Universal Music Africa.

Bones says he chose to share his personal struggles with South Africa to give hope to other people who might have been going through struggles of their own.

“I felt like not sharing my story would be robbing someone of a chance for their life to change.”

“Vincent was not as talkative as the other children; he was very respectful and would do the dishes without complaining. But we remember him for his voice. He loved singing,” said staff member Aletta Mokobane.

“Like any other child who had gone through difficult circumstances, he was non-trusting. We soon realised he had musical talent, so we then sent him to the Music School of South Africa,” said chief executive officer of the organisation Lee Loynes.

Bones has released a single called Malady, which he says is doing well.