Khaya wows Namibia

This week I had the pleasure of spending some time with South African Idols 2012 winner and South Africa’s first black idols winner Khaya Mthethwa. Born Khayalihle Mthethwa in Umlazi Kwazulu-Natal to Pastor Themba Mthethwa and his wife Lulu, the artist grew up in a strict Christian home. “I was just a kid from Umlazi with big dreams, I entered idols after four years of being nagged by my vocal coach without my parents knowledge” he said with a smile.
I then asked a question which is on everyone’s lips especially the ladies, that is if the 27-year old artist is dating anyone and he simply said, “I have dated many girls, you will hear rumours about me dating but I am not dating anyone at the moment”. This news comes as a relief to the many hopeful future Mrs Mthethwas but the singer said he is not looking to date any time soon as he is promoting his album and is also working on a new album which is set to be released in March next year. He is also working his own musical programme ‘Gospel alive’ which will be aired on DSTV’s Mzansi Magic channel.
When asked what inspires his music he said “ I have an old soul, I am inspired by old music, I sing songs that were played in the era where I was born”. Being a pastor’s kid in the music industry puts Khaya under a lot of criticism with people saying he should just stick to singing gospel but that has not stopped him from exploring other genres of music. “Yes people ask why I was not sticking to singing gospel but they are now warming up to the idea of me singing circular music. As a Christian boy who is also artistic, secular music does not change my spiritual life or my relationship with God” he said.
It seems Namibia has Khaya fans in large numbers because he performed to a full-house gaving an electrifying performance with his band, Bheki Mthembu on keyboard, Charles ‘Boykie’ Mnomiya on percussion and Qhubekani Mthethwa on bass at the National Theatre on Wednesday and Thursday night. He had the crowd screaming and begging for more. The singer really knows how to please his fans as he took the audience on a musical journey on the story of love by performing international RnB hits by the likes of Usher, Bruno Mars and John Legend.
He had fans singing along when he performed his groove infused single “Lil’ means a Lot” which he features South African Idols presenter Proverb.
The followed Avuleka, Uthando Lwakho, and his famous hit ‘Move’ from his debut album titled ‘For You’.
Jolene Nell Consultancy together with Air Namibia, Auas Motors, dB Audio, Olympus Guest House, and the NTN sponsored the shows.