The show – which airs on Mzansi Magic – saw Khaya going head to head with Zakes Bantwini and Zwai Bala in the electrifying finale. The winning choir walked away with R500 000 rand as well as R250 000 for charity. Khaya is the first person in South Africa to win two reality shows in less than a year. A visibly shaken Khaya thanked his fans for voting for him throughout the show. He tweeted: “Once again thank u thank u.. Without you there is nooo #TeamKhaya it’s been an honor representing you guys again and make u proud!! #salute.”
We caught up with the 26-year-old before his win to chat about his choir and about being nominated for the upcoming MTN SAMA 19 Awards. He’s nominated for Record of the Year. Khaya also faces off with Toya Delazy, The Muffinz, Tailor and Bongeziwe Mabandla in the Newcomer of the Year category.
What has it been like on Clash of the Choirs?
Clash of the Choirs has been really awesome because it’s given me the opportunity to show my choir background and express that to 20 talented individuals.
It’s your first time being nominated for the SAMAs, how does it feel?
I’m very excited about my nomination. It is the first time but I didn’t really expect it. This is the biggest awards in the country so I’m really excited about it.
Your single, Move, is nominated for Record of the Year, one of the most coveted categories. What do you think your chances are of winning?
My fate rests on the voters out there. If people can vote then I’ve got a great chance. My fans and my following are very used to voting, so I think I stand a fair chance of winning.
Your debut album has been well received by the public. What has been the inspiration behind the music?
The inspiration behind the music is really everyday life – looking at and observing relationships, being in a relationship, seeing other people’s relationships and you almost draw from whatever you are seeing and what’s happening around you.
How has your life changed since winning Idols?
My life has completely changed. There are a lot of things I dreamt of doing, now I just go through it from day to day. It’s really been great.
What’s can fans expect from you going forward?
I’m in the middle of planning a national tour so I’m going to be touring my music around the country. Obviously I am going to be performing at the SAMA’s, I’m really looking forward to that as well and hopefully start writing for the next album.
And for all your female fans, who are no doubt dying to know, who are you taking to the SAMAs?
Well I am currently single. I promised my younger brother that I would be going with him to the SAMAs because he is also a huge music lover. So I am going to be partnering up with my bro so we can have a good time there together.
The MTN SAMA 19 awards take place on May 11 at the Sun City Superbowl. The show will be broadcast live on SABC 1. To vote for Khaya’s Move in the Record of the Year category, SMS the letter J to 083 123 7262 (standard rates apply). Fans can SMS up to a maximum of 10 times per mobile number.
– Tamlyn Canham
