Loyiso Gijana was just 16 when he took part is season 11 of Idols, finishing fifth. But Loy-Loy always had a bright future, and after finishing matric and starting a bachelors in education, he was offered a deal by Ambitiouz Entertainment in 2018. He started going viral, covering ‘Amablesser’ by Mlindo The Vocalist and DJ Maphrisa and ‘You’re The One’ by Elaine and racking up the YouTube views. Singles like ‘Nontsikelelo’ and ‘Intyliziyo’ with Langa Mavuso are much loved, but it’s a track from 2020 that’s made the most impact. ‘Madoda Sabelani’, being sung by Jooma in our Top 9 live show in season 16, was inspired by the death of Uyinene Mrwetyana, who he was friends with. Her brutal demise started a reckoning with gender-based violence, and Loyiso’s song was for the victims of GBV and a rallying cry for men to do better. During the long lockdown of 2020, it was an essential, heartfelt listen.