Jobela, from Delft South in Cape Town, was selected from over 150 entries by a judging panel which included popular YFM breakfast show host DJ Ankle Tap - who launched the competition together with Sir Richard Branson - and Virgin Mobile representatives.
"Music is a universal language giving young South Africans a voice and a vehicle for self-expression. As Virgin has its roots in music, it is part of our DNA to continually strive to unearth and support local talent. The Share the Beauty of Voice competition offered Virgin Mobile the ideal platform to promote this idea while highlighting the importance of voice in staying connected to family and friends. "We are thrilled to name Buntu as the winner, not only is he extremely talented but his passion and dedication to his craft, position him as a role model to his peers," says Vanda Harries, Virgin Mobile South Africa head of brand and communications.
This multitalented rapper, poet, song writer and model, immersed himself in the music scene in 2003 by joining Delft-based hip hop group D.S.O. He has since traveled with the group performing around South Africa at events including Splash Jam, the Grahamstown Arts Festival and HipHopkaslam at the Baxter Theatre.
As the winner of the Virgin Mobile Share the Beauty of Voice competition, Jobela will now go on to shoot a professionally produced music video featuring one of his original tracks, but not before spending a day with the YFM team. This session will offer him more insight into music production, the behind-the-scenes workings of a commercial radio station and what it takes to get your track play listed. He will also receive a brand new smartphone with a two year airtime contract compliments of Virgin Mobile.
According to Jobela winning the Virgin Mobile Share the Beauty of Voice competition is another exciting step in his journey. "I have a passion for creating and sharing great music and believe in living my life to its full potential with a personal motto that keeps me motivated - be inspired, uphile ubomi bakho," says Buntu.
The Virgin Mobile Share the Beauty of Voice competition, which launched mid-December 2014, ran for just over two months and offered aspiring singers across the country an opportunity to further their music careers and get their voice noticed. The competition tapped into Virgin Mobile’s V2V proposition, free on-net Virgin to Virgin calls, for all new contract, top-up and prepaid customers, motivating fans to talk as often as they like at no extra cost.
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