Mmatema Moremi
Mmatema Moremi | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 February 1992 Zebediela, Limpopo, South Africa |
| Alma mater | Tshwane University of Technology |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, television presenter, actress |
| Years active | 2015–present |
Mmatema Moremi (born 26 February 1992) professionally known as just Mmatema, is a South African singer, songwriter, television presenter, and actress. She rose to fame after finishing as runner-up on the eleventh season of Idols South Africa in 2015.[1][2]
Early life and education
[edit]Mmatema Moremi was born on 26 February 1992 in Zebediela, Limpopo. She was raised by her parents, Disego Moremi and Lucky Moraila.[2] She began singing informally during preschool morning prayer assemblies, and by age ten had taken the microphone from a local band to perform—leading to local event bookings.[1]
For secondary school she attended Dereke Kobe Secondary School and later Matladi Secondary School. She then studied for a B-Tech degree in Applied Languages and Linguistics at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where she joined the Reflex Raise Choir and subsequently the Tshwane Gospel Choir.[3] Notably, the choir contributed a song to the "Bring Back Our Girls" campaign, with Mmatema creating heartfelt harmonies and melodies.[1][3]
Career
[edit]Idols South Africa
[edit]Moremi auditioned three times for Idols South Africa. The first time was in Season 9 (eliminated early), then in Season 10 (group stages), and finally in Season 11, where her rendition of Demi Lovato's "Skyscraper" earned her second place on 22 November 2015.[4] Fans reacted strongly; one headline proclaimed "Our Idols was robbed!."[3]
Music and live performances
[edit]Following Idols, she signed with Universal Music South Africa, but later pursued gospel music independently via her company, Mmatema Moremi Media Productions (Pty) Ltd.[1] In 2016, she made history as the first Idols SA contestant to headline a one-woman show—Mmatema Moremi's One Woman Show—at Pretoria's South African State Theatre’s 1,300-seat Opera Theatre, for which she also served as creative director.[5][6] She has also performed internationally, including at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, alongside artists like Carly Rae Jepsen, and at local events such as Mapungube Festival, Joyous Celebration, and the Winter Gospel Explosion.[5]
She released her debut album Love. Praise. Worship. recorded live at Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria. Singles include "Because of You" (produced by DJ Cleo).[7] In April 2025, Mmatema released a new live-recorded gospel album titled Heart of Gratitude, launched on 18 April at the State Theatre in Pretoria. She described it as "my journal," reflecting themes of faith, family, and thankfulness.[8]
Television and acting
[edit]Mmatema's visibility expanded into television presenting and acting. She hosted Gospel Unplugged on SABC 1, a gospel music show that won Best Gospel Show at the 11th SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards in 2018.[7][9] She also appeared as Thembi in the SABC 2 drama Bone of My Bones.[7] In August 2023 she began hosting The Wife Talk Show on SABC 2—an edutainment talk series focusing on married life and women's issues.[10]
Personal life
[edit]Mmatema married music producer Tshepo Gavu (also known as "Mr G") in a traditional ceremony in Moletlane, Limpopo, in February 2019, followed by a formal wedding.[11] The couple welcomed a baby boy in October 2019.[2]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]| Year | Title | Type | Format / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Love. Praise. Worship. | Studio / Live album | Comprises ~16 tracks; her first major solo album post Idols |
| 2025 | Heart of Gratitude (Live at the Pretoria State Theatre) | Live album | Released 18 April 2025; 15 tracks; gospel; recorded live at State Theatre, Pretoria |
Singles
[edit]| Year | Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | "Because of You" | Single | Produced by DJ Cleo |
| 2017 | "Ke Lerato" | Single | Written by Mmatema, prod. Tshepo Gavu |
| 2021 | "Yahweh" | Single | |
| 2021 | "Ke Nale Matla" | Single | Soundtrack (*My Family of Superheroes*) |
| 2022 | "I Am Grateful" (Live) | Single | Featured on SP Vol. 8 |
| 2023 | "My Time Is Now" | Single | |
| 2019 | "Here I Am" | Featured | On *Spirit of Praise 7* w/ Collen Maluleke |
| 2025 | *Heart of Gratitude* | Live Album | 15 tracks, Pretoria State Theatre |
| 2018–2024 | Various live tracks | Compilation appearances | On *Spirit of Praise* series |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Biography | Mmatema Moremi". www.mmatemamoremimedia.co.za. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ^ a b c https://southafricaportal.com/mmatema-moremi/?
- ^ a b c Mdlasi, Mellissa (21 February 2023). "Mmatema Moremi: Pre-School Singer to Global Stage". Pozytv. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ^ "Idols SA". Idols SA. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ^ a b admin (30 June 2021). "Valentine from Rhythm City: Get to know Mmatema Moremi". Southern African Celebs. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ^ Ntwasa, Thango (11 March 2018). "Mmatema not giving up on music dream". SowetanLive. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ^ a b c Vilakazi, Andile "FineSalt" (14 December 2018). "Meet Gospel Cool Kid Mmatema Moremi". Gospel Corner Online. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ^ Moganedi, Kgomotso (25 April 2025). "Gospel singer Mmatema releases new offering 'Heart of Gratitude'". TimesLive.
- ^ Mokgatlhe, Pearl (4 February 2019). "Former Idols Runner Up Mmatema Moremi Ties The Knot". Zkhiphani. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ^ Maako, Compiled by Keitumetse. "Idols SA star Mmatema Moremi to host new SABC talk show". News24. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ^ admin (30 June 2021). "Valentine from Rhythm City: Get to know Mmatema Moremi". Southern African Celebs. Retrieved 19 August 2025.