Previously winning Idols SA season 18 in 2022 after wowing mzansi with his powerful voice on stage, Thapelo Molomo is now performing in front of a different crowd aboard a cruise ship.
After word got out about his new gig, many thought the singer was strapped for cash and not using his talents on the ship. This came after ZiMoja reported that Thapelo – who received R1 million in prize money, signed a record deal and released an album – allegedly experienced financial issues and was hired as a waiter on the cruise ship.
The above-mentioned publication further reported that the Idols SA winner was promoted to a higher position within the ship’s hospitality department and manages a team of waiters and bartenders. “Opportunities are limited in South Africa and if one sees an open door anywhere, they need to grab it with both hands because it may not come again,” Thapelo reported told the publication back in late February.
However, while recently speaking to TshisaLIVE, he confirmed, “I’m not a manager for waiters and bartenders. I received lots of DMs on my socials from people looking for jobs. Guys, I’m not a manager … I am working on a cruise ship as a singer and that’s an open opportunity I saw after I was approached.”
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Thapelo – who went on leave from his duties as a psychologist at Brits police station in the North West province after joining the talent competition – also shared with TshisaLIVE that he has been working on the cruise ship while on unpaid leave since October 2023. He was still able to make ends meet.
“I didn’t resign. I am still a member of the police service. I am a singer, full-time psychologist in police service and private practice as well as a hustler. I’m not rich and I’m not poor. I’m working like any normal citizen to maintain their family,” stated the singer.
Thapelo is reportedly set to return home for the Easter holidays due to upcoming gigs in South Africa and Botswana.
Also see: Criminal charges allegedly laid against popular restaurants unlawfully playing artists’ music
