You've seen them audition in their regions. You've seen them cry and now the best from each of the 4 regions that the judges visited battle it out for the ultimate Shine crown and an opportunity to walk away with a two year recording contract as well as the hamper from Mi phone and Faith Collection. Here are 8 of the 9 finalists who'll be battling it out in for the number one spot in studio performances this coming Sunday:
Nomvula Nhlapo
Nomvula Nhlapo hails from Mamelodi in Pretoria. Having done lots of back-up for great musicians in the country, she saw Shine as a stepping stone to finally Shine on her own.
Ndumiso Mahlangu
Ndumiso Mahlangu is also from the Pretoria region. Being the youngest in the competition, she will have to prove to her competitors why she's a force to be reckoned with and if it is indeed true that age is nothing but a number.
Daleen Jonkers
Daleen Jonkers is 28-years-old, from Klipspruit-West, originating from Eldorado Park. She graduated from Klipsruit-West Secondary School in 2001.
“My singing career has begun from a very early age. Since inception of my life's journey in and after school I was very adventurous in arts and culture, my expert ease mainly ranging in gospel miscue am a lead vocalist in our praise and worship group at our church. I also sing at many events and occasions”.
Daleen pursued the Shine Gospel competition because she believed in herself and knows that God has a purpose for her through music.
“I do endeavour to strive in the gospel music industry, to attain my ultimate goal, I have engaged my stepping stone and have closure of my bright new future”.
Andries Mkhomola
Andries (from Soweto) originally hails from Mpumalanga in a small village called Matibidi. Being the last born in the family, Andries never stops dreaming as he encountered some hardships while growing up.
“I am a young man who never stops dreaming regardless of life’s ups and downs, I never wanted to stop pushing”.
Andries is currently in a process of hosting a motivational workshop in Tembisa.
Nokuthula Mndweni
Nokuthula Mndweni (from Durban) is a B-Tech Chemistry degree graduate and currently works for Unilever.
“I started singing while I was still in high school”.
“I joined a community group called the PROFFESIONALS where I sang with the late Wendy Mseleku. The group was well-known in Lamontville - I was with the group until 2002”.
Due to individual commitments the group was dysfunctional.
“I accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour, became a born again child of God and then decided to use my talent in church. I then formed a gospel group called MGG (Methodist Gospel Group) where all my life I have been singing with this group”.
Nokhuthula also studies music part- time at Howard College and does extra classes in piano.
Precious Mpofane
Precious Mpofane is also from KZN and loves singing. She sees Shine as a platform that will showcase her talent.
Elwira Standili
Elwira Standil is an 18-year-old from Cape Town who matriculated from Esselen Park High last year. She lives on a farm, Rainbow B9 in Worcester and she is from a family of seven. A daughter to Francina and my Boy Standili, Elwira is the 3rd eldest of five children which consist of 2 girls and 3 boys.
“My parents have always supported me & I love my family to bits. I belong to the Pentecostal Protestant Church. I sing in our worship team and I can truly say I belong behind a mic, because when I sing I feel alive and close to God”.
Elwira sees herself as a well-established, succesful musician in future.
“I want to spread the word of God through song and make a positive impact on people’s lives. The opportunity with Shine gave me good exposure and I thank God for it. I believe I’m a worshipper and a vessel through which God reach His people by means of song ministry. In 5/6 years from now, I want to look back and say : ''This is what I have accomplished so far.''
Nomandla Mfecane
Nomandla Mfecane: originally from Port Elizabeth, but currently resides in Cape Town. She comes from a family of three and loves music, fashion and sport.
“I'm a musician and I noticed that I could sing at the tender age of 5 when I'd play around with tablespoons and combs, pretending they were mics. I started singing professionally at the age of 14 and it got serious at the age of 17. I sang at school - primary and high.”
She has previously worked with Mthunzi Namba (Joyous), Ntokozo Mbambo (Joyous), Nqubeko Mbatha (Joyous), Swazi Dlamini, Mzoxolo Rafani (IWTSGospel), Nobathembu Mabeka, and the list goes on.
She's been involved in various competitions including Popstars on e.tv - she ended up in the final Top 12 in 2010.
Nomandla says “I'm looking forward to doing more music and to studying it further. This is only the beginning”.