According to a statement released by Mzansi Magic, Idols SA season 18 will premiere on 17 July on Mzansi Magic, and it promises to be bigger and better. Standard Bank has been announced as the new headline sponsor in a season that promises to bring viewers show stopping performances.
The show returns with a new theme dubbed 'Singing a Different Tune’ with new judges including actress and music icon Thembi Seete and rapper-producer extraordinaire JR Bogopa joining the multitalented choreographer and TV star Somizi Mhlongo who is returning to the judging panel. Tebogo 'ProVerb' Thekisho who has starred as host for more than a decade, returns as co-executive producer and host.
“Idols SA is back!! As much as it is about the music, it is also about the people: we are proud to unearth new and emerging talent, and our viewers form emotional connections with the singers as we follow along their journey from audition stage to making a career from their passion. We are excited to see who season 18 brings us,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.
“We are also excited to welcome our new headline sponsor Standard Bank, as a valued partner for this season. They have over the years proven to be passionate about making dreams come true and our winners should look forward to a basket of great prizes, which will be announced in due course,” she concludes.
Season 18 also sees a new sponsor, Standard Bank, partnering with Idols SA. “True to our values at Standard Bank we want to give South Africans the tools and support they need to achieve their dreams and aspirations and this sponsorship helps us do just that. It’s all about taking the first steps to building your dreams and believing that It Can Be a reality. We’re really excited to be part of the journey, all the best to the those fighting to make their dreams a reality,” Lindy Lou Alexander, Head, Brand & Marketing Consumer & HNW Brand & Marketing, CHNW.
Somizi returns to the show after he was fired due to Mohale's shocking domestic abuse allegations.In 2021, Sunday World released recordings in which Mohale opened up about his failed marriage, abuse allegations, Somizi's jealousy and controlling behavior.
Mohale claimed that Somizi allegedly pulled out a knife on him and almost stabbed them both during an altercation. As the channel announced that Somizi was returning to the show, he maintained that one is "innocent until proven guilty"
"Honestly as you may have all noticed, I haven't spoken about anything. My private life is my private life and my work life is my work life. I feel like I can't say anything at the moment and I don't was to say anything. All I can say is that it was one of the toughest times in my career but we move on, like they say you are innocent until proven guilty," he said.
