Almost all of us have dreams and aspirations of clinching opportunities that will propel us to our desired level of success. However, one is often plagued with trials and tribulations on our journey to the top.
Some of our most loved ZAlebrities were not exempt from this hence they were contestants on popular television talent search shows. They have since carved out remarkable careers in the world of the Arts.
This top 5 list was inspired by these select few ZAlebrities, who remain role models to their legion of fans. They might have not won but they have certainly used their duration in the competition as a stepping stone to actualise their dreams of being superstars.
Most of us were initially introduced to Nandi Madida on SABC 1’s Live( Now Live Amp) as a contestant of the show's presenter search. She, however did not clinch the winners title, instead her best friend, Minnie Dlamini – Jones did. Nandi Madida was also seen on numerous other presenter search’s until she made it. The Durban born beauty has since maximised her talents within the Entertainment Industry, with a fashion label called, Colours, TV hosting gig on BET Africa and a sizzling music career. Nandi has also went as far as trying her hand at acting on Mzansi’s Magic’s telenovela, The Road, where she played a lead role.
Shekhinah has faced many challenges leading up to her impressive career thus far. The husky-voiced musician was voted out on Mzansi Magic’s long-standing singing competition, Idols. After her elimination, Shekhinah Donnel decided to enrol herself at the prestigious film school, AFDA. Upon graduating, she had already hit the ground running with her mesmerising melodies and went as far as winning numerous SAMA awards for her debut album, Rosegold earlier this year.
Nomzamo's rise to the top is truly inspiring to the most. We first caught a glimpse of her when she was one of the contestants on MTV Base VJ Presenter search, however she did not make it. Nomzamo did not allow herself to wallow in sorrow, in fact little did she know that her big acting break would emanate from this presenter search competition opportunity. Many have seen her grace our television and big screens with impeccable acting skills. The dimpled beauty has went on to work with reputable brands such as, Neutrogena, Audi, Puma to mention a few. Nomzamo is a firm go-getter.
Shane Eagle had quite a run on Vuzu’s, The Hustle. Most viewers were taken aback when the rapper was voted out of the competition hence no one could have foreseen his exit. Shane Eagle has thereafter made his presence felt on the local hip-hop front with a banger of an album, Yellow, which also went on to win the best hip-hop album at this year’s SAMA awards. The rapper is also signed under his own record label, Eagle Entertainment. In that way. he has secured full creative and financial independence.
Pallance Dladla has probably transcended the vague memory of him ever being a contestant on SABC 1’s Class Act. Pallance has since built a name for himself in this fulfilling yet fickle entertainment industry. He was only 19 years old when he scooped a SAFTA award for a role he played on etv’s Sex Tips For Girls. However his most iconic role on the small screen has been that of Jabulani Zungu on Mzansi Magic’s, Isibaya. The Soweto born actor has also enjoyed big screen success with a plump role in renowned director, Zee Ntuli’s Hard To Get. Nothing seems to stand in the way of this young actor, who has also just starred in an alcohol commercial that is currently gaining quite a lot of traction.
Main image credit: Instagram/@Shekhinah_d