Finalist visits hometown
Women of all ages who travelled from as far as Cape Town and Johannesburg just to show him love and support.
GRASKOP – After a long time away from home due to the competition’s tight schedule, Mpumalanga’s very own SA Idols contestant, Brenden Ledwaba, accompanied by the M-Net Idols crew, visited his hometown on Sunday.
Fans came in numbers, young and old, braved the cold weather and gathered at Thaba Chweu Municipality, waiting for the lad who put the small town on the map.
Dressed in a T-shirt bearing his picture and raising posters and flags, the crowd and his family could not contain their excitement when he finally arrived. For the shy, down-to-earth gentleman, the welcome was a humbling experience which he said words alone could not describe.
“It’s just amazing to be home and see these lovely people here. I did not imagine that so many people would be here to welcome me,” he said.
Brenden, who described getting to the top four as one of his memorable highlights even in the midst of the ups and downs, thanked his fans and family for their unwavering support. “After being in the bottom three for the first time last week, which was not a nice experience, it is good to be back and I’m grateful and humbled to realise that my fans and family have got my back,” he said with a smile.
Women of all ages who travelled from as far as Cape Town and Johannesburg just to show him love and support. He said that he has no problem with his nickname, as long as it helps people associate with him.
Ms Irene Richards, a woman who travelled from Lydenburg, said that she loved him ever since he was a young boy when he used to play the piano and sing in churches. “My children always tease me when I praise him, saying I’m too old for him, but I tell them that I don’t care, I just love the boy,” she chuckled.
For six-year-old Niki Chawane, seeing her favourite idol brought lots of tears. She could not stop crying, declaring her love for Brenden and proved that he is a favourite to many. During his welcoming speech, Thaba Chweu’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Michael Ncongwane, encouraged locals to continue supporting the aspiring musician through voting for him. His father, Mr Phenius Ledwaba, also expressed gratitude to all the fans and family members.
“The journey has not yet come to an end, it continues and I am certain that with your support, my son’s dream of pursuing his music career will finally come true,” said the humbled Ledwaba.
On Sunday, Brenden came back with a bang after his performances received positive comments from the judges and a loud round of applause from the audience.
To vote for Brenden and keep him in the competition, sms 01 to 37400. You can also vote for the other Mpumalanga top-4 finalist, Musa on 09.
