The East Coast’s newest singing sensation, Khaya Mthethwa, is back in his hometown of KZN, even if it is just for a few days.

 The Idols winner flew into King Shaka International Airport yesterday.

He’s expected to make a few public appearances this weekend before heading back to Jo’burg on Monday to work on his album.

Briefing media yesterday, the 25-year-old Durbanite says the support shown to him by local fans is what made his victory in the competition’s eighth season a reality.

(In the below video clip, Khaya speaks about his fans, his upbringing, and his plans for his new album)

The down-to-earth star says it was humbling to see so many people welcome him at the airport.

Mthethwa says he was shocked to see city officials, representatives from his old schools and members of his church among his sea of fans.

“It was very, very special to me – and of course, one of the most special things for me at the airport was seeing my gran there. That was, I think, the most unexpected thing. She was on that pulpit … and then she made me cry,” he said, to laughter.

“I wasn’t planning to do that as well … the reception in Durban, I mean, this is why Durban is such a warm city at the end of the day. It’s because the people just go out of their way, and being home just means everything to me right now.”

By Shaun Ryan via East Coast Radio