School's out for 'Idols' winner

Noma Khumalo is working on her first album

Idols South Africa' winner Nomalungelo Noxolo Khumalo is swapping the classroom for the stage.

The KwaZulu-Natal student teacher said she was giving up teaching for now to focus on building a career as a performer.

But before she does, she'll be throwing a "little class party" for her pupils, to thank them for their support and for pushing her to enter the singing competition.

"Idols was not on my to-do list for the year; the push was just what I needed," an excited Khumalo said this week. "The children, and the message of perseverance," had helped her through the contest. "I needed to prove that hopes and dreams can become a reality," she said, adding that she would return to teaching "later in my life".

On Sunday night the 22-year-old broke the seven-year male domination of the competition, beating fellow finalist Thami Shobede by 50000 votes of the 14million cast for the finale.

"I always knew that it was a 50/50 chance, however, I always felt like he had the upper hand and the audience was a lot more familiar with him. When I heard my name I almost didn't believe it! I was filled with extreme excitement," said Khumalo.

"This week has been super busy, but extremely fun."

The "shy" teacher first auditioned in Durban's Playhouse in January, where she sang US singer Janelle Monáe's hit, PrimeTime.

Khumalo, who lives with her parents and younger brother, featured in the first episode on July 17, which focused on the auditions. She immediately stole the hearts of viewers when her story aired.

More than 10000 people auditioned for this season's competition, braving long queues across the country in the hope of clinching a golden ticket.

In its debut month, 1.1million viewers tuned in, according to the Broadcast Research Council of South Africa. And Mzansi Magic said more than 83million votes had been cast throughout the season.

‘SA Idols’ finalists Thami Shobede and Noma Khumalo. Image: VELI NHLAPO

Khumalo's dream came true after she performed a duet, Nomakanjani, with hitmaker Nathi Mankayi at the finale, before giving a solo rendition of Mariah Carey's Without You.

Her single, Want It To Feel Like It Did With You, is at No16 on iTunes and she is due to head to the studio next week to start work on her debut album, Joy.

The album will be a mix of urban pop, with some African adult contemporary and vernacular songs. It features a song produced by South African singer Moneoa Moshesh's producer, Vusi Ndlovu; another written by Bonga Percy Vilakazi, who has worked with singers Donald and Kelly Khumalo; and a track produced by singer Malik, who has worked with singer Ringo and US artists Keith Murray and Puff Johnson.

Khumalo will also be working with award-winning producer Crighton Goodwill, who has worked with past Idols winners including Heinz Winckler, Elvis Blue, Dave van Vuuren and Khaya Mthethwa.

Gallo Music Group label manager Rob Cowling, who will work with Khumalo on recording options "over at least the next five years", said Gallo had been in the "planning stages for both Noma and Thami prior to the finale ... to give fans a Christmas release".

"Now that we have a winner in Noma, we have been working on the track selection and she will be recording these tracks next week in studio," said Cowling.

"This includes a collaboration with Sketchy Bongo that we will record in Durban. Her 10-track debut album will be released to retail stores around the country in approximately two weeks' time, and to all download platforms."

The label has also revealed that it is interested in other contestants from this season. "I cannot confirm who at this stage, but I can confirm that Terra Cox [eliminated shortly before the semifinals] will have a debut single released, and two, possibly three, other contestants will release material in 2017," said Cowling.

mbeleg@sundaytimes.co.za