Vosloorus vocalist reaches top 5 on Idols

Vosloorus singer and songwriter Niki ‘Niikiey’ Kubheka, is getting ready to elevate her music career after an eight-month stint on the popular talent show, Idols Season 19, aired on Mzanzi Magic.

She is currently among the top five contenders. Their natural skill and vocals have so far delighted the judges, the media personality Somizi Mhlongo, actress Thembi Seete and rapper JR Bogopa.

However, the television talent show has reached a stage where the contenders’ fates rest in the hands of the viewers.

Niikiey described the early phases of the show as nerve-racking, but she constantly reminded herself that even difficult tasks are attainable when her mind is motivated.

She said because she was nervous meant she did not take it for granted.

“Auditioning for idols was huge for me. I did not audition for failure. I trusted that I would pull this off and give people a different texture of vocals and music.

“Reaching this stage makes me feel grateful and blessed. Coming from the township and being on this platform feels good. It is like God telling me this is my time to elevate musically because I have been pushing different genres,” shared Niikiey.

She said although her experience with Idols has been amazing, hardships were part of the journey.

“I have always observed I am not a patient person, but Idols has taught me patience and to consider other people and their desires.

“These are the same people who will support me and buy my music. It makes sense for me to consider what they would like to hear for me to improve it while giving them the best version of me.”

She noted her highlight was getting in the top 10 and engaging with former Idols winners like Loyiso, Musa, Yanga, and Mmatema, who boosted her confidence.

Niikiey was born in the Sotho section, Vosloorus, and raised by her God-fearing family, her mother, Palesa Kubheka and father, Sibusiso Kubheka.

She is the second child with three siblings, including an older brother, Sibusiso and two younger brothers, Sipho and Nkanyiso.

According to her father, she started singing at home at the early age of six before joining the local church, where she became the lead singer for Sunday school.

They raised her in a church, and she has toured South Africa with the Living Sanctuary and Temple of God Original choir groups.

She got the first position at the Segarona Provincial Choral Music competition in 2020. Because of her versatility, she transitioned from gospel to amapiano music.

Niikiey released her debut single titled Thando featuring Backroom Giants in December 2022.

Through her singing, she drew the attention of other dance music producers and has worked with producer Mthetho the Law, DJ Chammie, Sushi the Deejay and the musical group Gwijo Avenue.

Her followers may vote for her by SMSing 5 to 37400, at the cost of R 1.50 per SMS. Free SMS does not apply.
Alternatively, register and vote for free on the Idols website.

For more information, follow her on social media, Facebook: Niikiey IdolsSA, Instagram: Niikiey_01 and TikTok:niikieyy01.