‘I’m not rich and I’m not poor’ — Idols SA winner Thapelo Molomo on why he decided to work on a cruise ship

04 March 2024 - 09:32
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Thapelo Molomo was crowned the winner of 'Idols SA' season 18.
Thapelo Molomo was crowned the winner of 'Idols SA' season 18.
Image: Veli Nhlapo

Thapelo Molomo has assured his fans his singing career is not sinking while working on a cruise ship.

“I am working on a cruise ship as a singer and that's an open opportunity I saw after I was approached,” he told TshisaLIVE.

“I'm not a manager for waiters and bartenders. I received lots of DMs on my socials from people looking for jobs. Guys, I'm not a manager. I am a singer as you all know.”

When he joined Idols SA season 18 in 2022, the singer went on leave from his duties as a psychologist at Brits police station in North West to pursue music. After he won the competition, he has been adamant to continue juggling his passion for entertainment with serving people.

He's been working the cruise ship while on unpaid leave since October 2023 and said he has been able to make ends meet.

“I didn't resign. I am still a member of the police service. I am a singer, full-time psychologist in police service and private practice as well as a hustler. I'm not rich and I'm not poor. I'm working like any normal citizen to maintain their family” 

This is not the first time Thapelo has had to set the record straight on his financial standing. When the singer started selling eggs and atchaar in January 2023, many speculated he had mishandled his prize money from Idols SA.

“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 a 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.

“The business is on hold after we experienced a shortage of eggs across the country but I'm on other hustles like renting out sound.”

Thapelo said he will return to Mzansi shores in time for the Easter holidays because he has gigs coming up in South Africa and Botswana.



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