IT is not every day that you hear Idols judge, Randall Abrahams, singing along with the contestants but a talented John Wesley School music
educator managed just that during his audition in 2015.
The Arts and Culture and Music teacher, Msa Mahlangu, has recently released his single, ‘Siphakamisa Udumo’ which is available on all digital networks. Mahlangu’s inherited his talent from his father’s side and his dad was part of the The Lion King cast before he passed on. Mahlangu realised at the age of 11 that he could sing and has never looked back since.
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“I joined the school choir, my mom got me to be part of the adult choir in our area, I also joined the gospel choir and I learnt to play the keyboard when I was 13.”
From there, he studied music at the Bat Centre and was employed at John Wesley School as the music teacher.
“In 2011, I left the school to pursue my singing career. In 2014 I realised that I was still a bit young to just focus on music and in 2015 I returned to the school.”
Luckily for Mahlangu the post was vacant. “Our principal, Darron Tarr, had just taken over as head of the school and enquired about me. I was at my home town in Matatiele at that time, a friend called and told me about this position and I was glad to be welcomed back to the school,” he said.
Idols journey
That same year, Mahlangu said he conquered his fear and entered Idols. “People would tell me all the time to go and audition but I was shy, even though I knew I was gifted.
“I really had to force myself but my wife and the school supported me.”
That year, Somizi Mhlongo had just just joined the panel of judges and I received a golden ticket after getting four yes’s.
“I was really honoured and the highlight was when Randall, known as the hardcore judge, sang along with me.”
Mahlangu said the idols journey was so much fun but mostly he learnt so much and he grew as an artist as he made it to the top 28.
“I learnt to pay attention to detail, production and so much more. It was really humbling to make it that far as thousands of people audition each year. I was also strongly influenced musically by the popular pop duo, the Jaziel Brothers, who had mentored me since 2014 and allowed me to feature in many of their songs.”
He said he will be releasing an Extended Play Record (EP) in September which will have six songs, “the whole idea with this single is to introduce
myself to the people and I have to say the reception I have received so far has been overwhelming.”
Juggling family, teaching and music
The husband and father to a two-year-old girl said he tries and give his absolute best in all the aspects of his life. “I believe that getting
married at a young age also gave me perspective in life and focus. It has really contributed to the kind of person I am now.”
“I love being a family man and following my career, although sometimes there are challenges. During the week I am a teacher and sometimes a performing artist. But I am able to balance this and make sure I give my best in everything I do,” he said.
“The support system I get at home and here at the school also makes it easier. I love this school, they make me feel at home and Mr Tarr has given me a chance to spread my wings with no questions asked. I am truly grateful for that,” he said.
John Wesley School principal, Darron Tarr, said the reason the school management gives him support is that it does not see the staff simply as educators but as individuals with unique talents and passions that are important to them and that they wish to develop.
“Each person has dreams and aspirations. The experience that Msa Mahlangu has gained through music is brought back to the school with him and he shares it with our children, which in turn enriches their lives. At a recent choir evening, held at Pinetown Girls’ High School, our choir received a very enthusiastic ovation, which is a tremendous affirmation of the outstanding manner in which Msa has prepared our children for public performances,” said Tarr.
“We want him to succeed in life, not only here at the school but in other avenues as well,” he added.
Tarr said Mahlangu has a very special talent, “his musical expression is entirely intuitive, which is a very rare quality. He bonds easily with children through music and has powerful creativity.”
Watch Msa Mahlangu’s single, Siphakamisa Udumo
Watch Msa Mahlangu Idols auditions in 2015:
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