After progressing through to the top 31 of 2014's South African Idols (season 10), Mali Zulu exited the show just before the nation could see him test his mettle in the live performance rounds. But it wasn't long until audiences got to see him belting out songs live on stage during his own shows without the Idols logo at the bottom of the screen, and replacing the panel of judges with his own fans.After leaving the show, Zulu was offered a record deal by producers trying to bottle the fervour of the TV hype, but he turned it down due to conflicting interests.''They wanted me to sound a particular way that wasn't in keeping with what I've planned for my music career," he says.Since then he has been writing his own material - acoustic pop - and performing to audiences across the country.He's gained a large following of devoted fans in a short time and his single, Try, has been playlisted on East Coast Radio.''What matters most to me is that people understand the message behind my music. I want the music to have an impact on peoples' lives - it's authentic," says Zulu.Born just outside KwaDukuza (Stanger) in KZN, Zulu went to primary school in Yellowwood Park and boarding school close to Dundee.At 23, he has experienced geographically transient formative years, but the one constant in his life has been his love of music.''I've always loved to sing and was involved in school choirs since primary school. I realised my passion for music when I was chosen to sing in the Northern KZN Youth Choir where I was trained professionally as a singer," he says.Zulu has embraced the DIY aspect of being an independent musician by booking his own shows, doing his own press and actively getting his name out there by approaching venue owners and music executives.His determination has payed off and he's played at major venues such as the Outland Festival and Lion's Festival, and has shared the stage with big-name local band Gangs of Ballet. Zulu recently performed at The Still Sessions at Distillery031 in Durban.''It was incredible to see all those people were there to see me perform my music. I usually open for other artists so we often share a crowd, but this time it was all my crowd," he says.Zulu is in the process of recording his debut EP which will be out at the end of the year. He's also shooting a music video for Try, which will be out soon.There is talk of tours to Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Canada in the future, so there is a lot to keep us interested until his second single is released.To listen to Mali Zulu go to:soundcloud.com/malibongwe-zulu or www.facebook.com/malizoeloe..