Luyolo Yiba wins Idols SA 2019

Yiba, a 24-year-old software developer from Cape Town, competed against KwaZulu-Natal’s Sneziey Msomi. As the Idols SA 2019 winner, Yiba wins R1m ($68 000), a recording deal with Gallo Record Company, a Ford Fiesta and other prizes.

“I feel great, I really appreciate the spot I’ve been put in,” Yiba told Idols SA host Proverb after winning the competition.

Idols SA said: “It all started with several thousands of dreams. And nine months later, it has all boiled down to one dream that has come true for one contestant – Luyolo Yiba, Idols SA winner for 2019.

“The Idols finale was a spectacular affair that pulled out all the stops to showcase this year’s talent, and the exceptional star quality of 2019’s Top 2 in particular. The Top 2 performed reminded us once again why they had made it this far, with Yiba performing John Legend’s ‘Green Light’, accompanied by the Mzansi Gay Choir, while Msomi performed Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse’s ‘Burnout’.”

Yiba and Msomi performed the Leona Lewis and Calum Scott duet ‘You Are the Reason’. The duo was also reunited with previous contestants and together they delivered a message of unity as they performed John Legend’s ‘Preach’.

“Also taking to the stage to support our Top 2 as guest artists were some of South Africa’s hottest acts, who set the stage on fire with their biggest hits of the season. The audience could not get enough of DJ Zinhle, Samthing Soweto, Boity, Vusi Nova, Sho Madjozi and Season 14 Idols SA winner Yanga," Idols SA said.

“Of course, there were plenty of light moments, one of them being the announcement of that other coveted accolade – The Wooden Mic,” Idols SA said. “This year’s dubious award went to Beatrice from Cape Town, who had tried her best to sing the 2010 World Cup anthem by Shakira, ‘Waka Waka’.”