Johannesburg– Thapelo Molomo, the talented vocalist who captivated the nation as the winner of Idols SA in 2022, has traded in his police uniform for a life of music, embarking on a journey that has taken him from the streets of Brits in the North West to the grand stages of international cruise ships.
Molomo, who holds an honours degree in psychology from the University of Venda, served as a warrant officer with the South African Police Service (SAPS) for many years. However, his passion for music remained a constant flame, burning brightly beneath his dedication to law enforcement.
After being crowned the Idols SA Season 18 winner, beating Nozi Sibiya, Thapelo walked away with a prize package worth more than R1 million, including a new Toyota Starlet. While the victory opened doors to a burgeoning music career, Thapelo initially continued to juggle his performances with his demanding duties at SAPS.
However, the strain of balancing two vastly different worlds eventually took its toll. As his music career gained momentum, Thapelo found himself increasingly needing to take leave from his police duties, leading him to a pivotal decision.
In October 2024, Thapelo took a leap of faith, resigning from his position as a warrant officer to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time musician.
“The police service has been a family to me, very supportive. They are supportive of my music career. They indicated they will continue to support me,” Thapelo previously told TshisaLIVE.
His decision has proven to be a resounding success. Thapelo is now living his dream, performing on a cruise ship and doing what he loves most – singing.
In addition to his singing duties, Thapelo has also been promoted to production manager on the ship, showcasing his versatility and leadership skills.
More than a year since walking away from the Idols SA stage as the Season 18 winner, with more than R1 million cash and a new Toyota Starlet, among other prizes, as well as the release of solo projects, Thapelo Molomo said life could not be better as he makes a name for himself internationally.
"Life has been good for me. I've got the opportunity to sing abroad lately," he told News24 last year. "These are some of the opportunities that have presented themselves since being on Idols – getting companies that approach you to do a tour with them. It's because Idols exposed me to a larger audience."
Molomo was named the competition's second-last winner in November 2022, before its final season last year. Since then, he has released his debut four-track EP, Uyaphila, and follow-up single, Senoinoi.
"It's doing so well," the singing police officer said as he beamed with pride for his latest offering.
"It's been received amazingly, and I'm pushing myself musically."
He's been hard at work on new music he plans to release when he returns to the country before the Easter holidays. The 32-year-old travels between the United States and the UK, working on production shows.
While being away from his loved ones can be challenging, Thapelo is grateful for technology that has made it easier for him to stay connected.
His motivation for working hard is his three-year-old daughter.
“It's not easy, but I encourage myself. I'm here to work for her and take her to schools I never went to and save up for her future. I believe that's what fathers need to do, work hard for their children to better their future,” he said.
After quitting his job at SAPS, the Limpopo-born singer landed a gig on a cruise ship. In addition to his singing duties, Molomo also serves as the cruise ship’s production manager.
The 32-year-old musician told TshisaLive that always being at sea and away from his family is challenging, but he keeps in touch with them thanks to technology. Thapelo Molomo told the publication that his daughter is his greatest motivation.
"It's not easy, but I encourage myself. I'm here to work for her and take her to schools I never went to and save up for her future. I believe that's what fathers need to do, work hard for their children to better their future," he said.
While Thapelo Molomo's story is one of triumph and pursuing dreams, it's a stark contrast to the experiences of some other Idols SA contestants. In June 2024, Season 19 runner-up Princess McDonald reportedly got robbed at gunpoint in a gated household in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.
According to ZiMoja, this was the first time Princess was robbed, and the incident left her shaken. The incident happened at 4:30 pm, and she stated that men she did not know knocked on the door and asked to see someone she did not know.
"The two guys managed to get inside the property and knocked at the door. They said they were looking for someone. They mentioned a name I don't know."
Before she could make sense of the situation, Princess said the men had opened the burglar gate and entered her home.
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