Idols SA: Who Should Take The Title?
A Power Ranking for the Top 2 Idols SA finalists is useless so instead we will each argue why one of the two finalists should win.
I need to defend the dude, and Justine takes the responsibility of fighting for feminism and girl power. So to be clear, my task is definitely much harder.
I will take a backseat and allow the ladies to plead their case first: the floor is yours Justine.
I was tasked with fighting for feminism and girl power but all I really have to do is fight for talent. I can quite easily sit here all day and list reasons why Mmatema should win Idols but I will play by the rules and limit myself to only 5:
1. When it comes down to vocal talent Mmatema is the best. She started the season off with a bang and ended it in the same fashion. The few hiccups she encountered along the way were addressed in a mature manner and she fought back with even more gusto the following week. When she sings, the world listens and she will make as good a stage performer as a recording artist.
2. She has international appeal. Mmatema is as classy and eloquent as she is talented. From as early as her phenomenal performance of Demi Lovato's 'Skyscraper' it was evident that Ms Moremi has what it takes to take the international music industry by storm. The winner of this season will win a trip to the American Idol finale next year and I can't see anyone but Mmatema rubbing shoulders with the like of Nick Fradiani.
3. Mmatema knows how to perform. She was the only contestant this entire season who could effortlessly perfect singing and dancing at the same time. Her performances of 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' reiterated that she is more than ready to perform on an international stage.
4. South Africa is desperately in need of something new. Khaya, Musa and Vincent are all great in their own right but they are also very similar. A change is as good as a holiday and judging by the distinct disinterest displayed by previously passionate Idol fans, a Mmatema win might be all that's needed to reignite their interest.
5. So Mmatema is a woman. Should she be denied the title because of the ill perceived idea that the only reason she can win is because of her gender? Certainly not! Mmatema is without a doubt one of the best female contestants ever to grace the Idols stage but she is also one of the overall most talented contestants of all time - gender aside. She deserves the title because she is worthy of it regardless of which way you look at it.
So there you have it. Mmatema has all the makings of a star. Win or lose she will be the one we remember 10 years from now. I'm not usually one to taunt the opposition but I simply can't resist it "Every thing a man can do a woman can do better" #GirlPower
Now let's get to my 5 reasons, shall we?
1. Karabo probably has been the most consistent vocalist in the competition. From his first live performance of Sam Smith's "I'm Not The Only One" right down to his showstopper hit "Blame", Karabo rarely missed a note. He has been rock solid and thoroughly deserves his place amongst the best vocalists Idols SA has produced.
2. His voice is pure soul. You know someone is a true talent when their voice is as effortless and soulful as Karabo's. He doesn't have to do vocal gymnastics or give an overwrought performance when his tone is simply the knockout blow. He's a natural, and sometimes the most honest, effortless, born talent should win.
3. We've only seen Karabo getting really down and dirty once - on "Blame" - but what that did show was that Karabo is also the most natural dancer and mover, the rhythm coming as easy as 1, 2, 3. He's so good he doesn't even have to try that hard. Effortless vocalist with natural rhythm. He pretty much has all the qualities of a potential South African star.
4. Which brings me to this conclusion: he screams South African Idol more than Mmatema does. He just has the homegrown vibe and voice that Mmatema maybe does not.
5. For the sake of fairness, he shouldn't win just because he's not a woman. Sure, he's just another in a string of male Idols SA winners, but he is talented enough to set himself apart from the all the other male vocalists that came before him. Talent should rise above political correctness and the black female winner narrative that the show probably needs. Karabo is a pure talent and should be judged solely on what he brings to the table and the South African market.
There you have it.
Do you think our points are strong enough to argue why Karabo or Mmatema should win the title on Sunday? Do you disagree with some of our reasons? Share your thoughts!
