Up close and personal with Bongi

From a very young age, she knew the whole world would notice her on TV. Today, Bongi Silinda, SA Idols hopeful, has become the talk of the whole Mpumalanga and other provinces in the country.

Having made it to the top four, it is quite unbelievable that she was turned away when she auditioned for the competition at Carnival City.

But determined to show the world that she was born to be a star, she wouldn’t take no for an answer and persuaded the judges to allow her to compete and auditioned again in Pretoria.

“I had to do it. It was just something in me because I knew I had to share my talent with the whole world,” says the bubbly Bongi.

Mpumalanga News caught up with her after Sunday’s live Top 4 premiere and she shared her love for music and her Idols journey so far.

Mpumalanga News: You say you have always loved singing, share your childhood musical memories.

Bongi: Growing up, I used to be a leader in a Sarafina group back home and I would perform Brenda Fassie’s songs in front of the mirror, everywhere!

Mpumalanga News: So, before entering Idols what was your musical background?

Bongi: My parents wanted me to study and tried to get me to do an agricultural course, but my heart has always been set on music and after that failed, I went to study music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Mpumalanga News: Let’s talk about Idols. You are in the Top 4 now. What do you think is keeping you safe when some people are sent home every Sunday?

Bongi: It has to be my fans. Wow, the loyal support that I’m getting from them is quite overwhelming. Another thing could be that I won many hearts when I refused to agree with the judges the first time and went back. People must have realised that I meant business and they liked my persistence.

Mpumalanga News: So far, what have your highlights been on this journey?

Bongi: Oh my word! It’s been an amazing experience. Meeting all the guys and becoming a family unit with each one of them. And did you hear the announcement that we are going to London this week? The furthest I’ve been outside the country is Swaziland. I’m so excited!

Mpumalanga News: You and Musa were the two contestants of Mpumalanga who came as far as the Top 6, how did you feel when he was sent home last week?

Bongi: I’ve known Musa for some time even before Idols, I sang with him and we had become like family and it was really sad when he had to go. But hey, it’s a competition and at the end of the day only one of us can walk away with the title.

Mpumalanga News: How would you react if it’s not you who walk away with it?

Bongi: Making it this far is a big win for me and again, I thank my supporters for voting for me, lifting me up to where I am. God is the one who holds my destiny and if I don’t get to be this year’s Idol, it will be because He has better plans for me. Music is my life, I will continue with it and grab the opportunities that have been given to me already.

Mpumalanga News: The competition is getting tougher, does this make you more nervous?

Bongi: Everyone is highly talented but I’m going with the flow and my fans keep me energised and strong because I do not want to let them down.

Mpumalanga News: What is your message for your fans back home?

Bongi: You guys are awesome. I’ve seen many places back at home painted pink, Nelspruit, Driekoppies and everywhere. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

We also spoke to her proud mother, Lindi Silinda and all she could say were words of gratitude for her superstar’s fans.

“This is a strenuous competition and without all the people who have backed Bongi, she would not have endured and made it this far. Thanks for the positive energy,” she said.