Mlondi makes Idols’ top 29

Toti SA Idols hopeful Mlondi Mkhize (26) is back in town after making the top 29 in the national singing competition.

He unfortunately did not make the top 16 to go on and do the live shows.

However, as one of only a handful of Durban contestants who made it to the Sun City theatre week, he is deservably proud of his achievements and rightly so.

“It was my first experience of a music competition and I made the top 29, so I’m proud of myself,” said the likeable Llovu Township resident.

His last outing on the stage was his solo performance at theatre week, where he sang Maxwell’s ‘Bad Habits’. “I wasn’t very happy with my performance. I didn’t know the song and that was the first time I had heard it. It was a challenge, but I managed it, even though I wasn’t comfortable.

If I enter again next year, I’m sure I could go further. I’m not sure whether I will return, I’m still thinking about it. It was hard and I experienced a lot, so that will definitely help should I decide to go back for a second time.”

During theatre week Mlondi formed a close bond with fellow Durbanites Siphelele Ngcobo, Nonhle Mhlongo, who shocked many fans when she dropped out of the top 16 as she has already signed a record contract, and Sizwe Mthalane.

His money is on Lungisa Xhamela of Cape Town to win the competition.

For now it’s back to normal life, washing cars at a Doonside car wash.

“My family, friends and customers have been very supportive and happy for me,” he said. “They all encourage me that one day I can become a professional musician. It is something I would like to pursue.

Hopefully the exposure will now help me get paying singing gigs and that experience will then help me even further.”

If you would like Mlondi to sing at your function, call him on 083-241-5201.