Roodepoort artist aims for the ultimate R1m grand prize

Singing sensations Hloni_Mahate and Faki Mboso are two of the 11 finalists who were announced at the end of July from among thousands of entries that were received since the #SingWithSundowns competition was launched in June.

The Sotho language category duo winners were voted in by the public and are in the running for the ultimate R1 million grand prize to be awarded at the Mamelodi Sundowns 50th anniversary Gala Dinner this coming December.

Hloni entered the competition with his friend, Faki, who is a recording gospel artist from Sasolburg in the Free State.

The two met on the Idols set in season 10 in 2014 and from there they have always wanted to work together.

Roodepoort-based Hloni, a football supporter and former Wits University FC player, heard about the #SingWithSundowns competition, wrote the song and went to Faki in Sasolburg where they recorded it.

“I have always wanted to enter the music industry but there is a specific sound I want to pursue. This is my beginning; this is a big deal for me,” said Hloni.

The duo hopes that this win will not only help them brush up on their musical skills, but will open more opportunities for them in the music industry as they hope to have a record deal one day.

“We are going to share the R30 000 winnings between ourselves, and we will also give some to our keyboard player who has helped us through this journey,” said Faki.

The two have indicated that should they win the R1 million, it will be a great head start and would change their lives forever, including that of their families.”We would give some back to the community who supported us, and I will invest some of it in a small business like chicken farming,” said Hloni.