Idols South Africa: Voices From The Past
Thousands of contestants have graced our screens throughout the 10 seasons of Idols South Africa. Some were easily forgotten while others remained in our heads and hearts long after their Idols journeys ended. I had the opportunity to chat to Wafeeq Saffodien (Season 2) and Ivan Roux (Season 10) about their Idol memories and more.
Do you ever look back on your season of Idols and think 'I should have made it further' ? Ivan - I do indeed yes, I always find myself wondering why I never made it further, especially after my Kiss performance, that to me was my best performance by far of the whole season. I do think I should've made it further. Wafeeq - Not really. I tend to think of what I could've done differently eg. song choices. But overall to get as far as I did was enough for me. A lot of non-winning Idols contestants often turn out to be the franchise's biggest success stories. Which local Idols contestant do you admire the most? Ivan - That is so true when you think of it. The most contestants that actually make it bigger in the industry are the ones who didn't win and I can name a few, but to me personally there are three contestants who didn't win whom I love & I know they'll make a success and that would be Graeme Watkins, London Louw & Kyle Deutsch. Wafeeq - My favourite by far has to be Brandon October. Definitely one of South Africa's best vocalists. Having worked with him on a few occassions I definitely have a deeper admiration and respect for his talent and artistry. Has your approach to the music industry changed at all since your time on Idols? Ivan - My approach has definitely changed after my time on Idols. I was always going for the kind of up beat folk vibe, but to my demise I realized that house music is actually more my playground & I love keeping the audience dancing & singing along. So yeah I changed from one genre to another one after the season of Idols. Wafeeq - Definitely. Before Idols music was just a hobby. After Idols, music had a whole new meaning. I knew coming out of the competition that making it on my own wouldn't be easy and that there was lots to learn. I'm always thankful for the people who helped me along the way in understanding the industry especially the business side. What is the one song that no one should even attempt to sing on any talent show? Ivan - Hahaha, I always love this question. The one song I think no one should even attempt would have to be Killing Me Softly & after last year's season All Of Me by John Legend. Wafeeq - Anything written by Lennon/McCartney What is the biggest difference between the person you were on Idols and the person you are today? Ivan - The person you saw on Idols always tried playing it safe, I forgot that it was a competition & at the end of the day, that caught up with me. Now when I want something, I go out & I make sure I get it! Idols also taught me to be a very hard worker. Wafeeq - I've put on loads of weight lol! I'd have to say maturity and that goes for me personally and with regards to my music. Do you have a funny Idols memory you would like to share with us? Ivan - Haha I do indeed. I will never forget the night they chose the Top 11. Myself & Vincent Verhoog were sitting high up stairs on the stage & when London Louw was told to join the two of us, he tripped over the steps because the shoes he had on were too big. Oh & he didn't get up and walk to us, he literally crawled all the way to us! Funniest moment ever. Wafeeq - There were so many. During Idols we stayed at the Protea Village inside Gold Reef Theme Park. Fans often ran up and down the stairs or past our rooms to catch a glimpse of their favourite contestants. One evening Jacques and I were sitting in his room and we were just chatting and having a laugh, when all of a sudden a drunk woman came barging through his door claiming someone was after her. We tried to help but she was adament she wanted to stay in his room. She wouldnt let the 2 of us leave to get help and ended up hiding and falling asleep in the bathroom. I dont remember how Jacques got rid of her but I think I ended up jumping the balcony. I knew she was crazy when she was on about her son being the world snowboarding champion, thats why I bailed from the balcony lol! Are you working on any projects at the moment? Stage work? Studio recordings? Ivan - I am yes, I'm currently working with a few amazingly talented musicians on new songs which will all be house tracks with a mix of Gospel in between! Wafeeq - I have a little studio at my home where I work on some of my own material. I'm currently part of an all male (South African) vocal group touring the UK doing a Motown tribute show called "Men of Motown".
