Idols SA 2022 winner Thapelo Molomo has assured his fans his singing career is doing just fine while working on a cruise ship.

Molomo told TimesLive he took the singing job at sea after he was approached by agents of the cruise line, and that the move is just his latest attempt to earn money singing.

The statement was made following rumours on social media that the Idols SA winner was working as a waiter due to a lack of funds.

“I am working on a cruise ship as a singer and that’s an open opportunity I saw after I was approached,” he said. “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 a singer as you all know.”

When he joined Idols SA season 18 in 2022, Molomo took an extended leave of absence as a psychologist at Brits police station in North West province to pursue music. 

After he won the competition, he tried to continue juggling his passion for entertainment with serving people, and has been working aboard the cruise ship while on unpaid leave since October 2023.

Molomo said the work helps him 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,” he said. 

Molomo said he will return to South African shores in time for the Easter holidays because he has gigs coming up in South Africa and Botswana.

It’s unclear which cruise line Molomo is working with, but his pictures on Instagram appear to indicate it is one of the premium or luxury boutique lines such as Azamara or Seabourn, with itineraries ranging from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and North America.

Singers on cruise ships earn between $2000 and $3000 monthly, with all expanses such as accommodation, food and travel included, putting Molomo’s income at R37,000 to R56,000 per month at current exchange rates.