Highway’s idols singing in perfect harmony

A NEW Germany resident who made the cut as one of Idols Top 16 finalists has been described as an outspoken individual and a leader by nature.

Minnie Ntuli (23), a former learner at Pinetown Girls’ High School, took a break from her law studies at UKZN to pursue her singing career.

At UKZN, Minnie’s outspoken personality landed her a student service officer position in the UKZN SRC in less than two years after being at the university.

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During an interview with her dad, Linda Ntuli, he said the family is proud of Minnie who has always shone in productions and musicals.

“In 2013, Minnie won the Gateway to Fame competition (young adults trophy) while her school mate, who is also in the Top 16, Phindy Dube, won the seniors category.

Dad Ntuli said as many artists did, Minnie started singing at church and family functions.

“I can say that music runs in her veins as the whole family is into music and I use to promote art and culture and youth development in the Department of Education.”

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This was the second year that Minnie entered SA Idols.

“Last year she entered but did not get a golden ticket. This year, she did not even tell us that she was going to audition, I guess, she was just saving us from another disappointment,” said her proud dad.

When Minnie made it to the Top 16, she had to register at the university. “She was doing her final year BA in legal studies.”

“We sat down as a family and discussed this issue and decided that she can continue next year. To stop her from pursuing her dream would have crushed her because it was us who pushed her to study law.

“She wanted to study Speech and Drama but we advised her to do a career that she can always fall back on and still work with artists while practising law.

Minnie has already started making a name for herself in the entertainment industry as she is also a programme director and has hosted many events.

Pinetown Girls proud of its former learners

The Highway Mail spoke to the school deputy principal, Sibongile Njapha about the two girls, Phindile ‘Phindy’ Dube and Minnie Ntuli who both made it into Idols Top 16.

She said Phindy was a quiet, shy but extremely talented young lady. She was a composer of some of the songs for our school’s Assembly Choir and a conductor as well.

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“She had a very good ear for music and all the patience to assist other upcoming members of the choir. Shy as she is, she however came alive on stage – dancing, singing or doing short plays. The learners always looked forward to hearing her sing a solo or a duet which she would do and get a standing ovation each time.
A humble musician who also did lots of voice training and was part of the Gateway Theatre Competition,”

Njapha said she would ask Phindy to prepare a song in just a few days, with or without a backing track, just to make her learn what it is like to work under pressure.

“She would outstandingly perform the song, bringing everyone to tears. A real treasure. She deserves to go far in Idols and even record a CD,” added Mbanjwa.

When asked about New Germany resident, Minnie Ntuli, Njapha described her as a person who showed a lot of interest in arts and stood out from the time she was in Grade 8.

“Her participation in various house plays, with exciting roles and roles that were not so easy was outstanding. Everyone looked forward to watching a play with that confident, fun loving, energetic and diligent Minnie. She was very popular among friends and was a team player. Her musical experience and talent was discovered at the School’s Assembly Choir. Minnie was one of the very few learners who had an ear for music and could sing all four different parts, always coaching other learners.”

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Njapha said her singing entertained young and old. Pinetown Girls’ High School is proud to have produced a learner of her calibre, a real star.

“Our Drama Department under the leadership of Patty Kearsey and other educators made this young lady perfect her acting skills and other performances in talent shows. The Barnyard performances gave her confidence to participate in other competitions including Idols,” she said.

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