As Khaya Mthethwa settles into life as South Africa’s reigning Idol, former champ Jason Hartman has offered words of advice for his fellow KZN winner: work as hard as you can, be true to yourself and never lose sight of who you are.

Speaking to East Coast Radio’s Anisa Ussuph, Hartman, who is currently putting the finishing touches to his second album, has warned Khaya, “You can get set into a mould as well which might not be exactly who you are. So it’s important to find your density quite quickly. Stay true to yourself, your music and who you are. Don’t get stuck into what an Idol should be in other people’s minds. Music is an art form and art has no boundaries and no limits.”

Hartman, who was the co-winner of Idols season 5 in 2009, also heaped praise on runner-up Melissa Allison, saying, “Both of them are just incredible. So thumbs up to both and I wish them the best of luck and I hope I see them on the road!”

Image via Facebook/Jasonhartmanfanpage