We chat to 2019 SA Idols winner, Luyolo Yiba, about his time on the show and his dreams for the future.
The South African Idols finale had the whole country on the edge of their seats as we waited to hear who would take the crown as the 2019 SA Idols winner. Twenty-four-year-old Luyolo Yiba took the coveted prize home at Carnival City in Brakpan on 17 November 2019, beating finalist Sneziey Msomi.
Luyolo hails from the small town of King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape where he worked as a software developer. He auditioned in Cape Town and progressed slowly in the competition, unexpectedly capturing the judge’s hearts and the country’s votes. He has been described as the ‘dark horse’ in the competition because of his quiet fighting spirit.
He walked away with amazing prizes, the biggest being R1-million in cash, a Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost, 80 000.00 worth of Yamaha musical instruments and to kick-start his musical career – a record deal from Gallo Music.
Luyolo’s journey on Idols has been truly inspirational. Here he shares his journey and future plans with us.
DESCRIBE LUYOLO IN A NUTSHELL
I would best describe myself as an ambivert – a cross between extrovert and introvert. It depends on what kind of situation I am in. If I’m comfortable then I am more relaxed and talkative, but generally speaking I am not outspoken. I grew up in a very strict household where I had to be home by 6 pm. That strictness has contributed to my personality a lot and I believe that it has led to me not being too outgoing. I love to laugh and to make others laugh, and I try to avoid conflict at all times.
WAS IT SCARY ENTERING IDOLS?
It was nerve-shattering because I was not singing for just any group of people. I must say, watching Idols for years prepared me for the moment I was in front of the judges. It was exciting, even though I panicked and worried about failing. But I told myself that whatever happens, happens so I’ll do the best I can.
DO YOU MISS YOUR DAYS AS A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER NOW THAT YOUR LIFE HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY?
There are times when I think about it. However, when I think of my life as a software developer compared to my life as a musician, it's one of like and love. I liked my job because it has helped me with critical thinking, analysing and looking at things from a different perspective. It’s a problem-solving trade and those skills have stuck with me. I love music because that is where I feel at home, that’s what I love doing and what comes to me naturally. I have asked myself what I’d rather be doing with my life – do I want to sing and do something I love, or would I rather stay in the office space. The obvious choice for me was music and here I am – it is a testament that I was right in following my true passion.
WHO’S YOUR FAVOURITE MUSICIAN?
John Legend is my ultimate inspiration. He’s one of the people I grew up listening to. His artistry inspires me, and his work ethic is something that I admire. A lot of fans have said that I remind them of him, I guess it is because of his influence in my music. I would love to reach heights like Jay-Z and Beyoncé; the magnitude of their success is something that I look up to.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE IN MUSIC?
I would love to reach bigger heights not just locally but internationally. I do not want to limit myself; I would love to be on the world stage. I want everyone to know me.
DID YOU GET ALONG WITH THE OTHER CONTESTANTS?
We were a family. Sneziey and I are friends and it’s a true friendship – we would give each other advice and support, especially during the last weeks of the competition. When we were in the finals both of us saw ourselves as winners and the finale as just the prize-giving ceremony, as we both won prizes.
DID YOU EVER EXPECT TO WIN?
People have asked me when it hit me that I might win the competition. It really never dawned on me that I might win because the level of talent in the competition was outstanding. I never went in thinking I would win, and I think that helped me throughout the competition.
WHAT’S NEXT?
I’d like to keep on delivering good music and entertaining people whilst working on my album. One of the prizes for Idols is a recording deal, so I’m on this journey to keep the Idols momentum going.
WHAT GENRE WILL YOU BE VENTURING INTO?
I will be sticking to Afro-soul. Idols has taught and prepared me to be versatile in my music and take on any genre. However, even with that versatility, Afro-Soul just fits in well with my sound.
HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT THE LOVE FROM YOUR HOME TOWN?
It still gives me goosebumps! It was so beautiful to see that people from my hometown are proud of me, kept me in their prayers and voted for me. I will forever cherish that.
WHAT LESSON CAN YOU SHARE WITH ASPIRING IDOLS CONTESTANTS?
Top of the list would be to trust in your self even though it can be very difficult to do that at times. Even though you are confident in yourself don’t be arrogant and bigheaded – stay humble. The advice I received from my mom also helped me a lot. She told me to focus on myself and who I am at all times and to not be deterred or disheartened by the progress of others. One other important thing I told myself when I entered the competition is that I’m not here to win, but to be on this platform and hopefully get given a chance. My aim throughout the entire competition was to just reach the next level. When I reached the top 10 I said, “God, I am grateful for all you have done, I will accept whatever happens from now on. I thank you for everything you have given me so far”. Always be mindful and appreciative of the opportunity and stay on course.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR IN 2019?
The continued love and support from my family, friends and the millions of South Africans who voted for me. I owe all of this to them.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2020?
My music career flourishing and then becoming a household name in the South African music industry.
Watch Luyolo’s music video ‘Sunshine Through The Rain’
SA IDOLS WINNER LUYOLO YIBA STAYS HUMBLE
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
December 02, 2019
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
December 02, 2019
Rating:
