When Idols SA contestant Vhudi Mamphwe wrote his song My Yoki Yoki to serenade his crush last year he never dreamed that it will become a viral hit.

The 20-year-old aspirant musician from Limpopo melted the hearts of South Africans when he auditioned for regular judges Somizi Mhlongo, Unathi Nkayi, and Randall Abrahams last night with his original song.

Guest judge and The Soil singer Buhlebendalo Mda praised the resident of Mulenzhe village in Thohoyandou for his songwriting skills.

Mamphwe explained to that My Yoki Yoki is derived from “my yonk’into” (my everything).

“I was trying to impress someone when I wrote the song,” he burst out laughing. “ I didn’t get the girl, but she was very excited about the song. Yes, My Yoki Yoki is shortened from ‘My Yonkinto’. It just came up as I was writing the song.”

The mechanical engineering student traces his earliest memory of singing to grade 6.

“I auditioned because I wanted to expose my talent. I was very nervous before auditioning but as soon as I heard Unathi’s laugh I was fine,” “I felt comfortable and gained confidence. It was my first time auditioning for something like that.

“I chose to audition with the song to prove through the platform that I’m indeed a good songwriter because people have been telling me that it’s a nice song. I’m so excited about the competition and I want to go far.”

After singing along to the song, Mhlongo commented: “I enjoyed it. It was pleasant and sweet (although) I don’t understand a single word but it enters me.”

Mda added: “I want to commend your songwriting, it’s beautiful.”

Mamphwe said he was overwhelmed by the love he received after his performance last night.

–Sowetan