She had just returned from Turkey, where she had undergone surgery and was recovering, when she received a casual call from Anele Mdoda, the owner of Rose and Oaks, the production firm behind the

show.

The point of the call, and a few more she received from her over the course of a few weeks, was to encourage her to watch the UK version of The Masked Singer. Although she had no idea why she had to continue watching the show, she continued to like it until one day she was told that the show was coming to South Africa and that she would be one of the investigators.

Sithelo didn’t take it seriously because of Anele’s comic attitude and easygoing approach. Anele has since responded to this question at the show’s press conference, which has made Sithelo emotional.

“She mentioned how many people talk about opening up the industry to new talent, but it never happens.” She said she’d been following me on social media for about four years, just observing how I move, what I say, what I put out, how I speak my truth, and how I’m so confident in whatever I’m doing. She says that’s what she wanted and that she recognized herself in me when she was my age and that she wants me to flourish in the industry as much as she has.”

She says it’s the first time she’s graced our screens, but it won’t be the last, and she’s delighted she opened the TV door with individuals who made her feel like family and made the production pleasant.