Khaya Mthethwa (born 25 November 1986) is a South African singer-songwriter, musician, composer, arranger, and a multi-instrumentalist. Prior his solo career, was a choir member of the gospel group Joyous Celebration.
Born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, his musical career began as a drummer at the age of 10 in 1997, prior joining a school choir as a singer year after. He is best known for winning the 8th season of TV singing competition Idols South Africa, the first black person to have done so.
His passion for music stems from his strong upbringing and the guidance that he received from his religious parents, pastors Themba and Lulu Mthethwa.
Early life
Born and raised in Durban, Khaya Mthethwa grew up in a church environment. His father Bhekithemba Mthethwa is a minister at the Umlazi Oasis Fellowship Centre. After finishing high school Khaya wanted to pursue a career in music but his parents were not keen on the idea and so he went on to study project management at the varsity college but remained active in a church as a music director of the church choir.
