Bongi: Whitney Houston – ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ / Lizzo – ‘Truth Hurts’
The Whitney Houston number should come as no surprise, and while it’s within Bongi’s wheelhouse, she may have to “bounce” as opposed to soar, as per Randall’s excellent song analysis on Twitter – it’s a dance track, not “I Will Always Love You”, so less jazz, more funk. Lizzo’s ‘Truth Hurts’ is an altogether different beast, a sing-y rap number that’s as urban as Bongi has been. It requires attitude and an altogether different skill set, but if she nails it, Bongi will boost her credentials.
Brandon: Tyrese – ‘Sweet Lady’ / Simmy ft. Sun El-Musician – ‘Ubala’:
Before Hollywood, Tyrese was a successful R&B star, and this is one of his biggest tunes – a bright soul number with a wide-ranging vocal. It’s hardly a showstopper, but if Brandon approaches it with sincerity and strength of voice, he’ll be back on the Brandon-track. ‘Ubala’ is more of a jam, a simmering deep house gem with a plaintive vocal from bright star Simmy. Local song choices have been incredibly popular this season, and if Brandon can burrow into the melancholy vibes – and get into a proper groove – it’ll be redemptive.
Mr Music: Lucky Dube – ‘Remember Me’ / Aubrey Qwana – ‘Ngaqonywa’
Mr Music excels at local, so the late Lucky Dube may be a winning choice. This mid-90’s reggae/R&B crossover has skank and melody, and enough space for an expressive vocal from Mr Music amidst the wicked licks of our superb backing singers. Aubrey Qwana guested in our Top 9 show with his huge hit ‘Molo’, but this 2019 track is KZN vibes through and through, a love jam with a solid groove and guest verse from DJ Tira, and a soaring vocal – Mr Music should shine.
Ndoni: Hugh Masekela – ‘Khawuleza’ / Ami Faku – ‘Ungowami’:
Our African queen doesn’t veer to far off script this week with two homegrown hits. ‘Khawuleza’ was originally issued by Miriam Makeba in the ‘60s and its Masekela interpolation isn’t vastly different – a simmering piece of township jive about the Sophiatown shebeens that allows Ndoni plenty of room to roam. Ami Faku recorded ‘Ungowami’ with De Mogul SA, an Afro-tech dance music practitioner, and it’s deliciously different – a propulsive rhythm awash with an evocative vocal that’s within Ndoni’s register and that has plenty of play for a performance.
Ntokozo: Diana Ross – ‘Upside Down’ / Toni Braxton – ‘As Long As I Live’:
Last week Ntokozo impressed with a 2020 disco-inspired Dua Lipa smash – this week it’s full-on disco with Diana Ross’s Chic-produced 80’s smash. It’s a light and shade song: in the pocket for the verses, uproarious in the chorus. Her mom’s favourite song, Ntokozo won’t wanna mess it up! Her modern song is from Toni Braxton’s 2018 ‘Cigarettes and Sex’ album, but it might as well be from Braxton’s 90’s heyday – full-bore sad soul with an amazing melody and a dynamic diva vocal – probably Ntokozo’s biggest challenge yet.
Zama: Brenda Fassie – ‘Wedding Day’ / Billie Eilish – ‘everything i wanted’:
MaBrr for Zama? Count us in. ‘Wedding Day’ is not one of Brenda’s biggest hits, but it’s an upbeat piece of bubblegum pop that’s ripe for fun times. Vocally, it’s not too challenging, but it’s the celebratory air that Zama will need to replicate. In characteristic lower case, ‘everything i wanted’ is more personal, but translating its ASMR prettiness onto the Idols stage will be tough – it’s an uptempo song with distinctly slow-core, subtle sensibilities.
ZanoThando: Caiphus Semenya – ‘Mmatswale’ / Malaika – ‘Mmatswale’:
Two songs titled ‘Mmatswale’ for ZanoThando, both about marriage. Caiphus Semenya’s version is pre-kwaito pop perfection, a steady beat with vocal flourishes that ZanoThando will do well to capture. Malaika’s version is very Malaika – a vocal to-and-fro over a post-kwaito dance rhythm perfect for wedding days. Our singer can revel, but there’s plenty of nuance here, so he won’t want to get lost – concentration is required.
Season 16 of Idols SA broadcasts on Sundays at 17:00 on Mzansi Magic Channel 161. Get exclusive updates and a behind the scenes look at all the action right here on our site. Don't forget to join the conversation by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #IdolsSA.