Durban’s Afrotainment crew brought their own heat to the stage. The performance culminated in the Queen of Gqom, Babes Wodumo, performing Wololo.
The evening’s theme was “Hits of the Last Decade”. Valentine Mathe kicked things off with Beyoncé’s Halo. Judge Gareth Cliff noted she stood out among the other contestants, while judge Somizi Mhlongo wanted Mathe to find her Sasha Fierce “Matlakala”. Unathi Msengana called the performance emotive and Randall Abrahams congratulated her on choosing the perfect song to open the Top 16.
Contestant Lucia Jakeni followed with Adele’s Send My Love (To Your New Lover). Mhlongo said she has a great range and called her a future seasoned vocalist. Msengana warned that South Africa can be unforgiving and ruthless at this stage, so Jakeni needs to be on point with her delivery. Abrahams felt the performance was safe and good but needed to be memorable, with Cliff agreeing.
“Bringing things home” was Sgherdeed Ross, who was a ball of dancing energy on stage while performing Deep in the Bottom by Black Coffee feat. Monique Bingham. Msengana complimented her on her interpretation, both vocally and performance-wise. Abrahams said the performance was good but that he voice was quite flat. Cliff thought the song choice might not have been ideal at this “critical” stage in the competition. Mhlongo said he got lost somewhere along Ross’ performance.
Coming in with a fighter spirit was Luke Ntombela, performing Yoga by Jhanelle Mone feat. Jadena. Abrahams called the song choice “ambitious” but noted that Ntombela fell short. Cliff concurred with his fellow judge Mhlongo, who felt she was restricted by her heels. Msengana thought nerves got the better of her.
Noma Khumalo slowed things down with a moving rendition of Rihanna’s Stay feat. Mikky Ekko. It earned her a standing ovation. Cliff asked her to trust the musicians with which she was performing. Mhlongo indicated that Khumalo is not only gifted, but also has a beautiful soul. Msengana described the performance as absolutely perfect and could barely contain her emotions. Abrahams said he could not fault her but asked Noma to be more aware of her microphone technique.
The contestant with the intense facial expressions, Siyakha Tshayela, brought the energy back up with local hit Valelisa by Trademark and Zinhle Ngidi. Mhlongo, who is unashamedly the singer’s biggest fan on the judges’ panel, said she was the girl to watch. Msengana called her voice incredible but felt distracted by her dancing. Abrahams felt she had done a better job of standing out than other contestants, while Cliff said it was impossible for him to take his eyes off her.
Amanda Kunene was effortless in her performance of Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman. Msengana called her a dangerous woman, while Abrahams gushed that it was the right song, and that she had presence and was emotive enough. Cliff noted it his performance of the night, and Mhlongo was left speechless.
Nosihe Zulu closed the show with Beyoncé’s XO. Abrahams said her nerves got the better of her and in turn, she gave an average performance. Cliff thought the song was a grade or two below expectation. Mhlongo said she was going to need Mzansi to forgive her in order to stay in the competition. Msengana was certain that she was going to stay, noting that Mzansi loves her despite her average week.
The next show will feature the eight male performers who make up the Top 16.