Candida Mosoma

Age: 29

Hometown: Pretoria

Occupation: Performer

Candida is from Erasmuskloof in Pretoria and is a seasoned theatre professional, having performed in hit productions such as Dreamgirls and touring to Taiwan in The Lion King. But “no matter what I’m auditioning for I’m always nervous,” Candida said at her first Idols audition back in February.

Viewers have wondered about the slight American twang to Candida’s accent – a result of growing up in the States. “My parents moved us to Princeton, New Jersey, when I was three and we spent most of my formative years there,” she explains.

Candida says her musical influences are diverse, ranging from Nina Simone to John Legend to Tina Turner. “My diverse love for these icons allows me to create a wider diversity within myself as a performer,” she says.