Police officer and Idols winner Thapelo Molomo was on the cusp of national fame in 2013 when he chose instead to focus on his psychology studies. Eight years later, his patience paid off and his dream of becoming one of South Africa’s biggest stars came true.
The singer got his first glimpse of the limelight in 2013 when he was selected for season 1 of Mzansi Magic’s Clash of the Choirs, but while he chose to complete his honours degree in psychology at the University of Venda instead, he always knew he would get his time to shine.
Thapelo, who kick-started his music career as a background singer and a co-founder of gospel choir group Thembisa Gospel Group with his close friend, said he had a simple strategy during the competition to guarantee his win.
“Put in extra work in executing the music on stage and continue to encourage people to vote” he told TshisaLIVE.
“I was praying and meditating, making sure I uplift my spirit first. My relationship with God sustained me. It's through His grace that I am here.”
Being crowned the winner of season 18 in 2022, Thapelo walked away with a prize package worth more than R1m, and while he is now a star on the rise, he still plans to juggle his music career with his duties as a warrant officer at Brits police station in North West.
“The police service has been a family to me, very supportive. They are very supportive of my music career. They indicated they will continue to support me provided I continue to do my work as expected.
“During the week most of the time I will be at work and do music after hours, like studio sessions and so forth. Then weekend is definitely music nothing else. I'm excited to be part of the SAPS and about going back to work while juggling music.”
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SAPS member with a golden voice! The rise of 'Idols SA' winner Thapelo Molomo
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Police officer and Idols winner Thapelo Molomo was on the cusp of national fame in 2013 when he chose instead to focus on his psychology studies. Eight years later, his patience paid off and his dream of becoming one of South Africa’s biggest stars came true.
The singer got his first glimpse of the limelight in 2013 when he was selected for season 1 of Mzansi Magic’s Clash of the Choirs, but while he chose to complete his honours degree in psychology at the University of Venda instead, he always knew he would get his time to shine.
Thapelo, who kick-started his music career as a background singer and a co-founder of gospel choir group Thembisa Gospel Group with his close friend, said he had a simple strategy during the competition to guarantee his win.
“Put in extra work in executing the music on stage and continue to encourage people to vote” he told TshisaLIVE.
“I was praying and meditating, making sure I uplift my spirit first. My relationship with God sustained me. It's through His grace that I am here.”
Being crowned the winner of season 18 in 2022, Thapelo walked away with a prize package worth more than R1m, and while he is now a star on the rise, he still plans to juggle his music career with his duties as a warrant officer at Brits police station in North West.
“The police service has been a family to me, very supportive. They are very supportive of my music career. They indicated they will continue to support me provided I continue to do my work as expected.
“During the week most of the time I will be at work and do music after hours, like studio sessions and so forth. Then weekend is definitely music nothing else. I'm excited to be part of the SAPS and about going back to work while juggling music.”
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
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