'Believe' a Valentine's message of hope, love

FORMER Idols contestant Thuba Myeki, known as 2Bad among his fans, released a single called Believe on Friday as a Valentine's gift for his female fans in particular.

The 23-year-old, originally from Cotswold but now based in Johannesburg, said he believed the track would be well received as he had worked on it with Stethoscope, who was also the producer behind Metro FM DJ Sbu's Remember When it Rained.

"I had a good time working on the song as I know it would help someone out there. It's about someone who loses hope but then finds a person who gives them strength. I chose to release the song on Valentine's Day because I wanted to spread love in every way. It's also about showing people there is always hope.

"We've received a good response to the single so far."

The track has been released on iTunes, Juno, Deezer and Simfy for downloading and 2Bad said it would also be played on several national radio stations from this week.

"I decided to go international because I also have fans outside South Africa and did not want to leave anyone out. I want everyone to enjoy this song," he said.

Fans will remember Myeki as the only contestant from the Eastern Cape to reach the Idols 5 top 14 in 2009, when he sang the Phil Collins ballad, You'll Be In My Heart.

Last year he was among four Eastern Cape contestants to make it into Idols , but only got as far as the top 100.

"That did not put me down; instead it boosted my stage performance," he said.

"I was featured on Point 5's single, Tell Me, which was played on national radio.

"I also worked with Heavy K on his song Katalina. The biggest moment was when I was signed by On Point Entertainment, a PE company based in Johannesburg, last year. That is why I also chose to move to Jozi. It's where a lot of things are happening and everything will be more accessible for me," Myeki said.

He describes himself as a vocalist and a lover of all types of music. He sings when he is stressed out and prays before he goes on stage, he says.

Myeki said fans should look out for his debut album in April, to be followed by a music video in June.

2Bad spent Valentine's day performing for his fans at Jozi's Bar 9.

He said he was currently single and "not looking" since his music kept him busy. "I just want to make my fans feel special," he said.