The musical journey that has kept South Africans at the edge of their seats for weeks came to a climax on Sunday (November 22, 2015) as Karabo Mogane was crowned the winner of Idols South Africa season 11 beating popular runner up Mmatema Moremi.
Karabo Mogane the youngest of eight siblings comes from a family of believers. The image of Karabo’s mother praying during one of the announcements of contestants who didn’t make it through to the next round of the competition moved viewers and was shared on social media for days following the broadcast. Viewers were moved by a mother’s love that was visible in that image of heartfelt prayer for her son. Before he made the bold move to audition for Idols, Karabo was part of his family’s Gospel group known as the Mogane Family Choir. At the time of the auditions he was a student at Stellebosch University.
A close knit family, his siblings rallied people on social media, in malls and in churches, asking for support for their brother. None were prouder and shouted more than his brothers and sisters at Carnival City when his name was announced as the winner of IDOLS SA season 11.
One of his fellow contestants, Lungisa Xhamela, who was also in the top 10 but who was voted off said he backed Karabo to win as “he was the most consistent” His voice was honed at his home church the Fountain of Life Church in Nelspruit.
His prizes include a recording contract with Universal records and a car.
Throughout his Idols journey Karabo used social media platforms to share his Christian faith. His posts have given the public a glimpse into who he is and what he stands for. Ón Sunday morning before he was crowned the winner later that afternoon he posted this message:
Karabo Mogane
November 20 at 4:56pm
Hallo Family!!
In exactly 5hrs from now. Your sweat and long voting hours will determine my future. I feel extremely blessed to have all of you and it’s worth it to give all glory and praise to the man above.
I thank you so much. “We’ve been made more than conquerors, overcomers in this life. We’ve been made victorious through the blood of Jesus Christ”
# TeamKarabo #Godislove# #weareblessed
Father please guide me tonight and help me perform to the best of my ability and let it be memorable for years to come. Whatever happens tonight Lord if it’s your will let it be done.
#fortheloveofmusic#; #Godyouaregood#
#thisisthedaythatthelordhasmadeletusrejoiceandbegladinit#
This year saw an increase in the number of Christians who entered the competition. The top three were all professing Christians. Rhema Valerie (21) is a pastor’s son from Edenvale who plays the piano during praise and worship at the Victory Faith Centre. Runner up Mmatema Moremi (23) is a worship leader at Conquerors through Faith Ministries and Idols winner Karabo Mogane is a member of a family gospel group. This is a growing trend as season 8 winner Khaya Mthethwa is also a pastor’s kid (PK) and a member of the popular Gospel choir Joyous Celebration.
We wish Karabo all the best in his journey. May he continue to look to the One who has made him victorious the Lord Jesus Christ.
Well done God bless