Thapelo Molomo earned a new badge of honour to fit perfectly alongside his SAPS crest when, on Sunday, he was crowned as the winner of Idols SA season 18.
Thapelo Molomo reacts to winning Idols SA
Molomo maintained a high level of consistency from the moment he set foot on the Idols SA auditions carpet, to the moment he beat the fan-favourite Nozi to clinch the season 18 title.
In a series of statements quoted by Tshisa Live, the 29-year-old reflected on his life before Idols SA, which included, for the most part, a considerable amount of time thriving in the shadows of a-list gospel acts, as well as his group Spirit of Praise.
“I did a lot of background singing for a lot of artists. I also tried my own ways and realised I needed a bigger platform to show off my talent. Starting with a great foundation every time, staying humble, allowing yourself to go through the journey before going onto big stages, getting to learn and getting the experience is good,” Molomo said.
The SAPS member made it clear his work in law enforcement will continue, despite his Idols SA win.
“The police service has been a family to me, very supportive. I am not going anywhere. I’m going to stay there and do my work and continue with music at the same time because I am passionate about both,” he added.
Police Minister Bheki Cele was at the Idols SA finale when Molomo won the competition and described the singing sensation as “a beacon of hope for many police officers who are on a daily basis faced with psychosocial challenges.”
“He has illustrated to thousands of officers that hard work, determination and perseverance is the foundation of any successful human being. We are proud of him and wish him all the best. We cannot wait to have him back in office to continue serving our men and women in blue,” Cele said.
Here’s what he walks away with
With a full-time job at SAPS pretty much not under threat, and his lifetime passion well-recognised, Molomo is at the peak of his adult career. Not only will he receive a recording contract, but the police officer has also become an instant millionaire.
Here is a full list of the things Molomo walks away with as the winner of Idols SA season 18:
- R350 000 from Standard Bank;
- R300 000 from Spotify;
- R350 000 from Mzansi Magic;
- Access to a Standard Bank wealth manager;
- A Toyota Starlet vehicle valued at R250 000;
- A Truworths voucher valued at R100 000;
- Yamaha recording studio kit valued at R85 000; and
- A recording contract with Kalawa Jazmee, the value of which remains unknown.
Molomo, however, is not letting any of the hype get to his head. Speaking to Tshisa Live, the singing sensation revealed his plans on spending his winnings.
“I plan to touch lives and get myself property, for my daughter as well. I need to leave a legacy for my baby. That’s really important for me,” he said.