Zoe Modiga & Nathi Mankayi surprise Ushuni Womhlaba Top 12 contestants

The journey to find South Africa’s next big star is heating up as Ushuni Womhlaba, the original South African singing competition show, has officially reached its halfway mark. After weeks of intense competition, the show is now down to the Top 12 contestants. While the past weeks have seen several talented singers exit the competition, this week took a refreshing turn with no eliminations, giving the remaining contestants a valuable opportunity to grow and learn from industry leaders.

In this week’s episode, rather than focusing on eliminations, the spotlight was placed on mentorship. The Top 12 contestants were treated to a series of masterclasses and bootcamps designed to elevate their craft and prepare them for the rigors of the music industry. These sessions featured some of the biggest names in South African music, sharing their journeys and offering invaluable advice.

One of the highlights was a guest appearance by the incredibly talented Zoë Modiga, a South African singer-songwriter who first gained national recognition as a contestant on The Voice South Africa in 2016.

Modiga’s debut album Yellow: The Novel earned her two nominations at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) for Best African Artist Album and Best Jazz Album. Her second album Inganekwane debuted at number one globally in 2020. Zoë took time to inspire and challenge the contestants, sharing her experiences and wisdom from her impressive career.

Also gracing the stage was the celebrated Nathi Mankayi, the voice behind the triple-platinum hit Nomvula from his critically acclaimed debut album Buyelekhaya. Nathi, who is signed under the iconic Gallo Music, shared his journey from the dusty streets of the Eastern Cape to becoming one of South Africa’s most beloved singers.

His insights into the highs and lows of the music industry left the contestants deeply moved. To top it off, the contestants even burst into singing one of his latest hit singles, Imimoya.

In addition to these musical legends, Gallo Music brought in a panel of experts to equip the contestants with essential knowledge on the business side of the industry, covering topics such as music publishing and legal considerations.

Throughout the past week, contestants were tasked with performing in various formats—group performances, duets, and solos. Some found themselves in the bottom three, facing the reality of elimination in upcoming episodes, while others emerged stronger and ready to take on the next challenge.

The judges—Sho Madjozi, Cici, Bab’ Phuzemkemisi, and Big Zulu—have been instrumental in helping the contestants refine their artistry. They offered practical advice on how to connect more deeply with the audience and improve their performances.

With the competition only growing fiercer, the search for South Africa’s next uShuni Womhlaba star continues. The contestants will need to bring their A-game as they navigate the challenges ahead and strive for the coveted title.

Catch Ushuni Womhlaba every Sunday at 18:00 on SABC 1 and SABC Plus as the nation’s brightest talents battle it out for their place in South Africa’s music scene.

Stay tuned to uShuni Womhlaba website www.ushuniwomhlaba.tv and social media platforms, to find out how you can keep your favourite contestant on the show.