It's been four years since Brandon Dhludhlu realised his dream by being one of the top three contestants on South Africa's biggest music show, Idols SA. However, life for Brandon has not been smooth sailing.

LESSONS

He thought after being in the top three in Idol doors would just open for him but learnt the hard way. "I was signed to Kalawa Jazmee. Oskido took all the top five artists and signed them,' he said. "I thought things would be great, but I had to learn the hard way and fend for myself.' He said things were not glamorous. "Oskido is a very busy guy, understandably so. I felt neglected. There was no progress; everything I was promised didn't materialise," he said. He was forced to cut ties with Kalawa Jazmee but says they did not fight. "After two years, I had to leave."

BACK HOME

Brandon moved back home to Barberton in Mpumalanga. "I had to start over and rebuild,' he added. "But that came with a lot of judgement. People thought ngiwile (I had fallen on hard times). How do you become a star, get a taste of the big lights, and then come back home? I was judged and felt a bit like a failure.' He became incredibly frustrated. "I was almost depressed but chose to keep my head up.' He met up with some friends and continued to make music. "I now have some of the biggest songs on radio because I chose not to give up. I am independent and also learning the business of music aside from just being an artist. I am in a good space.'