Phaksy Mngomezulu from Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, made his debut when he made it to the Top 9 for Idols SA season 7. The 25-year-old is currently touring Spain (Ibiza) with his band, Lucy and Phillips. He chats to our guest writer Pamela Mkhize about life after Idols.
Tell us more about your band.
We all met while doing a show for the Barnyard Theatre in 2013 and toured South Africa performing at all Barnyard Theatres. We decided to just jam together and start a band.
Describe yourself in three words.
Humble, motivated and artistic.
What encouraged you to enter Idols?
My late grandmother always saw it in me, whenever she saw a young musician singing on TV, she would say “Phaks, that’s what you should be doing!”, so I ended up believing that I could one day become a known musician and decided to enter in 2011.
Would you say that helped launch your career in the industry?
The Idols platform really helped me launch my career because the show really boosted my confidence, and made me believe that I’m actually good at what I do.
Four years later, would you do it again if you could?
No… I think it’s good to give others a chance; I’ve had mine and I’m happy with all that the competition has done for me.
What inspires you?
I’d have to say nature, amazing people I’ve met and shared the stage with, and the music of John Mayer and Jimmy Hendricks.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
Not stopping to believe in myself, even after people would slate me about not thinking that my voice is good enough or about my looks. And I’d also have to mention touring Europe.
What projects are you currently busy on?
I’m currently working on a Tina Turner tribute show with the band and we’ve started working on some original music, which you all will hopefully hear soon.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
It’s hard to tell with the industry I’m in, but I’ll most definitely still be doing what I love, which is music.
The challenges you face on a daily basis – how do you overcome them?
I’m a very easy person; I’m not too hard on myself, so I always find peace or overcome those challenges with everyone and everything that challenges me. I think the thoughts I have alone also help me a lot.
Any wise words to young people who look up to you?
Never give up! Find your inspiration, persevere and become a master at
what you do. Yes you can!
List five things you can’t live without.
Food, water, music, sleep and laughing.
