Khaya Mthethwa is South African Idols Season 8 winner. The drummer and a self-taught percussionist, keyboards player, guitarist, composer, worshiper and church music director was introduced to many when he first joined Joyous Celebration, a popular contemporary gospel music group. As the saying goes, the rest is history.
As a pastor's kid, singing at home and in church became a part of his life. Being under the tutelage of the Phelelani Mnomiya - a world renowned choral composer and music director - who was also the music director in their church strongly influenced Khaya's music career.
For Khaya, singing was not a career he wanted to pursue. However, the crooner says he realised that life was not about getting a job, but finding a purpose in life.
Indeed Khaya has found his purpose in music; his hot single "Move" is getting a lot of airplay and has sold more the 10,000 copies to date since its release on the 30th of Septmeber 2012. The single embodies a more soulful sound, shifting away from the Pop pattern, which we've come to know with previous Idols winners.
His debut album, For You, compromises of R&B and soulful ballads and a gospel track. The Durbanite says he is not one to abandon his root.
Khaya's talent and humility is set to see him rise to greater heights as he continues to establish himself as a prominent global superstar.