by Thinus Ferreira
M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel is bringing back the controversial socialite Somizi Mhlongo as a judge for season 18 of Idols, and is adding Thembi Seete and rapper JR to replace Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkanyi.
City Press on Tuesday evening reported that MultiChoice's Mzansi Magic channel and [SIC] Entertainment is bringing back Somizi Mhlongo as a judge after his absence in season 17 of Idols, and is adding Thembi Seete and rapper JR as new judged to replace the axed Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkanyi.
The South African version of Idols has Gavin Wratten as director and executive producer, along with Anneke de Ridder and ProVerb (Tebogo Thekisho) as co-producers with ProVerb also being the host.
The departure of Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi follow after the exit of the controversial Somizi Mhlongo in 2021 following serious allegations of physical abuse against the socialite, after which Idols immediately lost a third of its Sunday evening ratings on Mzansi Magic as viewers tuned out.
Somizi Mhlongo stands accused of alleged shocking physical violence and emotional abuse - charges he has not been cleared of - including allegedly chasing his former lover Mohale Motaung with a knife.
Mzansi Magic and [SIC] Entertainment have reportedly been discussing the possible return of Somizi Mhlongo for the 18th season since late-2021 to try and reverse Idols' ratings collapse during season 17.
Thembi Seete who was a member of the kwaito group Boom Shaka, is a South African actress, singer, model and TV presenter, and is known for her role as Gladys in Mzansi Magic's Gomora telenovela.
During season 17, Thembi Seete was a guest judge in one episode of Idols.
Professionally known as the rapper JR, whose real name is Tabure Thabo Bogopa Junior, is a South African businessman, entrepreneur and musician who has released 5 albums so far and is known for performing Motswako rap in Setswana and English.
He released the first music distribution app in Africa called FYVE.
