From gospel to amapiano: 'Idols SA' winner Thapelo releases his first EP

Thapelo Molomo is beaming with pride after releasing his first EP, Uyaphila.

A week after being crowned Idols SA season 18 winner, Thapelo got into the studio with Kalawa Jazmee Records to create music. 

"I am very exited about it. The songs are nice. So far the reception has been good, people are in love with the songs that have been released. It's such a beautiful feeling. We took our time to make sure we released a product people will love and enjoy," he told TshisaLIVE.

The four-track EP is a mixture of genres, including gospel, afro-pop and amapiano, which Thapelo says showcases his versatility. 

"It was just a mixture of everything on the Idols SA stage. People loved me for different reasons, that's why I wanted to cater to everyone, because music is meant to make people enjoy and be happy. I know I am a gospel singer, but I thought it was a great opportunity to try other genres because it shows your versatility and you are able to cater to people that don't really listen to gospel."

Thapelo juggles his music career with his duties as a warrant officer and budding entrepreneurial career selling eggs and atchaar.

While he might have walked away with a prize package worth more than R1m, he wants to motivate his fans to create opportunities for themselves. 

“I'm not broke. I'm just trying to impact people's lives. I invested the cash prize in a home for my family. I needed to get myself involved in a small project. Me selling eggs and atchaar is motivation for the youth and musicians to create employment for themselves instead of waiting for it.

“Creating employment for ourselves does not require you to think too big. With R500 you can buy a box of eggs, get profit and build from that."