The aim of the campaign is to ensure that Mthethwa is crowned the first black winner of the reality singing competition, currently on M-Net and Mzansi Magic.

Mthethwa is a member of Joyous Celebration - the biggest touring gospel choir in the country.

The ensemble has produced solo singers like Swazi Dlamini, Jabu Hlongwane and Ntokozo Mbambo, to name but a few.

But after his soulful rendition of US female rapper Nicki Minaj's thumping Super Bass during the Theatre Week phase, the Umlazi-born young crooner's popularity has skyrocketed.

It's not surprising that Mthethwa's list of fans has swelled up to include local celebrities.

Singers Kabomo and Asanda Bam, actor Aubrey Poo and radio and TV presenter Carol Tshabalala all sing his praises.

Poo tweeted: "Black folk I know we have a tendency of just saying 'yeah he's good' and not do anything about it. We gotta vote!!! #TeamKhayaMthethwa.

"Blk people unite, let's all get down! This is not even a race thing, y'all know how u feel about your airtime!"

He later added: "#TeamKhayaMthethwa?! I'm still blown away by this boy..."

Manana said: "Yho! Dude who sang 'Superbass' on Idols ROCKED my world, wowza."

And now a Facebook group called Friends of Khaya Mthethwa, created on June 11, had amassed 187 members by yesterday evening.

The creator of the page is Teboho Letanta. He wrote in the first post on the page: "I am going to stand behind my fellow black brother with brilliant, unappreciated and gleaming future. All he needs to expose that, is a platform and winning SA Idols will grant him that. Aluta Continua. [sic]"

But Mthethwa yesterday said he was aware that black viewers had pinpointed him as the best hope for the first black Idols winner of the competition, after seven years of misses.

"It definitely puts more pressure on me to really deliver, but at the same time it is extremely exciting," he said.

The competition has now reached the Top 16.

The show goes live on both channels from July 29 with the first live results show - where public voting kicks in.

SOME TWEETS FROM HIS FANS

KEMONG Mopedi @uLoner: "If there's any justice in this world, Khaya Mthethwa will be this year's Idols winner."

Pumela Qhama Mngcata @PumelaM: "Khaya Mthethwa ... is this year's Idols winner! If not, then it be that case of Loyd Cele vs Elvis Blue.[sic]"

Kutlwano Masekela @Diam_Life: "@Khaya Mthethwa tiz abt tym we get black winner on SA Idols... is mos def getting my votes *super bass* [sic]."