Phila Madlingozi has a lot to prove to South Africans.

The actor and singer, who made it to the top 16 round of Idols SA, has received a lot of criticism since the announcement was made. Some people feel that he made it through because of his father, Ringo Madlingozi, a successful and very respected musician in Mzansi.  

However, Phila doesn't seem to bothered by the comments. Instead, he sees it as a good thing that people are talking. "People are interested, that's what matters. They wanna know if I really have the talent, they wanna know if I'm not just hanging on my father's fame, and that's an opportunity for me to prove them wrong. So I use it as an opportunity to let people know that I do have the music in me and I am looking forward to entertaining all of them."

He said he's ready to turn his critics into his fans. While being in the top 16 was unexpected for Phila, he said he's glad that the judges saw something in him. "I'm excited to finally get a chance to perform for people, for them to see that I actually have it." 

We were first introduced to Phila as an actor but now he's ready to show us his other side. "I want people to know that the first love has always been music. I've never really ventured into it the way I wanted to, but Idols has given me the biggest platform there is in South Africa." 

He admitted that there are a lot of talented people on the show this season: "There are a lot of talented people this year, it's gonna be a hot season."