Lights, action call for 'Idols' hopefuls

Songbirds Zamajobe, Jennifer Hudson, and even multi-platinum- selling Lira, have all forged impressive careers, despite failing to impress the judges and scoop Idols, the singing competition.

That seems to be serving as a reminder to former hopefuls Tshepi Mashego and Lefa Pike, 30.

Pike did not go further than reaching the top 5 of last year's Idols leg.

The pair have now turned their attention to the theatre.

Pike is playing the daunting role of the legendary Bob Marley in the Barnyard Theatre's production of The 7 Wonders.

Mashego will be based at Gold Reef City's The Globe Theatre in Chef, Rattle and Roll.

The 7 Wonders began on August 14 and runs until October 7 at Cresta's Barnyard theatre, Randburg, Johannesburg.

The play will move to Gateway's Barnyard, in Durban, from October 9 to January.

The musical is a tribute to Elvis Presley, Carlos Santana, Bryan Adams, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Bob Marley and Chris de Burgh.

Janine Cupido (Houston), James Dobson (De Burg), Lee Paver (Adams) Andy Murray (Santana), JP Moggee (Elvis), and Cassandra de Beer (Aguilera) join Pike on stage.

Pike, who was born in Kimberley, was signed up by Universal Music SA. Despite this, he has admitted that being on Idols was tough.

Except for last season's top two - Dave van Vuuren and Mark Haze - Pike was the only Idols hopeful to get a recording deal immediately.

He has been busy writing and recording his debut album, an arduous process, he says.

But playing at corporate gigs has helped pay his rent since he moved out of his parents' home to the north of Johannesburg.

His album is to be released next year, he says.

"I got tired of travelling around [doing corporate gigs], so I wanted to do something different," Pike said about his involvement with the play.

"When they called me for this role, I thought this is one of the biggest things I can do.

"He [Bob Marley] has always been my inspiration. But I have to admit that having to embody his personality on stage was scary."

One impressive song on his upcoming album is Shower With Me. It was written by his manager.

Asked about his Idols stint, he said: "It's not easy. It really isn't. Idols is only a start, and once you're out [of it] you begin to see how far you can make it [in the music industry].

"Being in the competition and making it as far as you can there means nothing. Some people make promises and then avoid your calls.

"I've had to learn to be in control of my life."

Mashego, on the other hand, has some acting experience under her belt - she played Dipuka in e.tv soapie Rhythm City three years ago and toured with the High School Musical production.

She has been quietly putting her vocal chords to the test and is working with producer RJ Benjamin. She is also preparing to host a new TV show on DStv.

Chef, Rattle and Roll is directed by Shelley Adriaanzen. The play features four characters cooking a three-course meal for a VIP guest, live on stage "while singing, dancing and telling you their stories".

The final scene is when the audience gets to taste the food.