Idols SA top 10 contestant Ithana withdraws from competition

The 22 year old did not participate in the Battle of the DJs performances on 20 September, leaving Nqobi, Berry, Daylin Sass, Sia Mzizi, Karabo, S’22kile, Monique, Kevin and Bulelani competing for a place in the next round of the competition on 3 October.

“As M-Net, we wish her a speedy recovery,” M-Net local channels entertainment director Nomsa Philiso said. “It is unfortunate that she cannot continue in the competition but her health is of paramount importance. I know that this will not be the last time South Africans see her on their screens.”

The remaining contestants had a chance to collaborate with some of the country’s top DJs, including Prince Kaybee, DJ Cleo and Sun-El Musician. 

Judge Randall Abrahams said Bulelani, Daylin Sass and Monique seemed like they were performing in a school concert. However, fellow judge Unathi Nkayi disagreed with Abrahams on Bulelani’s collaboration with DJ Sumbody and described the performance as a great start for a challenging theme.

“I have nothing to critique you on negatively,” Nkayi said. “You made it yours without taking away from the original.”

Abrahams commended Nqobie’s performance of Sun-El Musician’s ‘Akanamali’, but Nkayi felt the DJ had commanded more attention.

There were standout performances that both Abrahams and Nkayi agreed on: both judges were impressed with Mzizi, who sang ‘Emlanjeni’ accompanied by De Mthuda. “You inhabited the song,” Abrahams said, with Nkayi describing the performance as brilliant.

Kevin’s collaboration with DJ Sumbody was well received. His rendition of ‘Piki Piki’ ticked all the boxes, with Abrahams saying he was doing right to win votes and Nkayi calling him a dream to watch.

Karabo closed the show on a high note and had the judges united as they both agreed she did justice to DJ Cleo’s ‘Gcina Impilo Yam’.

Idols SA can be viewed Sundays on DStv channel 161 at 5pm CAT.