Idols South Africa: Presenting Your Judges
It would have seemed somewhat clichéd to introduce the Idols South Africa judging panel at the start of the season, before they reveal their true selves to the viewers. With the live shows looming now seems to be the right time to dim the lights, cue the music and introduce to you the Idols South Africa judges!
Love him or hate him, Randall Abrahams is the one judge Idol hopefuls are most desperate to impress. The only surviving member of the original judging panel of 2002, Abrahams, affectionately known as ‘Mr Nasty’, has a list of credentials that outweigh his ability to bring the contestants to tears. From his fairly humble beginnings as the manager of Goodhope FM during the 90’s to joining Universal Music South Africa as MD in June 2012, Randall Abrahams has firmly cemented his position as an authority in the music business. Not one to sugar-coat his comments to contestants, Randall once again remains the voice of reason on the judging panel ensuring that only the cream of the crop receive the honour of ultimately performing for the public vote.
On the complete opposite side of the spectrum of Abrahams is songbird Unathi Msengana who is as mild-mannered and affectionate as the aforementioned is blunt. Her undeniable beauty and grace has led to her being described as a modern-day ‘African Renaissance Woman’ – a very fitting title for the only female member of the current judging panel. Apart from receiving a magnitude of local awards Unathi is also racking in the international accolades. She is the first African to voice a character on Disney Junior’s ‘ Doc McStuffins’ and was nominated for a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award in 2014. A true South African gem, Unathi continuously reinvents herself and who better to critique the Idol contestants than a lady who has all the makings of a star herself.
A member of the judging panel since Season 2 in 2003, Gareth Cliff is one of South Africa’s most popular celebrities. Known for his often controversial opinions, the founder and president of CliffCentral.com keeps his critique on-point without unnecessary melodrama. When out of the public eye, Cliff is known to generously donate his time to causes close to his heart. The former 5FM DJ regularly gives motivational talks at educational institutions and has been the ambassador of a number of education initiatives. Once quoted as saying that his legs are his best asset, Gareth is responsible for a large part of the onset antics of the panel.
By far the most polarizing of the judging panel newcomer Somizi Mhlongo has not failed to bring his own copious amounts of ‘razzmatazz’ to the show. The son of the late Ndaba Mhlongo and actress Mary Twala, Somizi is no stranger to showbiz having starred in landmark productions such as Cry, The Beloved Country and Sarafina!. The flamboyant entertainer who is also the choreographer of choice for productions such as the Miss South Africa pageant and the Cannel O Africa Music Video Awards has been a fan of Idols since season 1. When asked by Channel24 about what he is looking for in the contestants he did not hesitate to say ‘I am looking for someone who has showmanship and the staying power. Someone who would make it even if they didn’t enter Idols’. With his infectious guffaw and unique take on the competition Somizi has given new life to what was threatening to be a somewhat disconnected judging panel.
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