Mmatema Moremi
Mmatema Moremi 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.
Early life and education
Mmatema Moremi was born on 26 February 1992 in Zebediela, Limpopo. She was raised by her parents, Disego Moremi and Lucky Moraila. 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.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, where she joined the Reflex Raise Choir and subsequently the Tshwane Gospel Choir. Notably, the choir contributed a song to the "Bring Back Our Girls" campaign, with Mmatema creating heartfelt harmonies and melodies.
Career
Idols South Africa
Moremi auditioned three times for Idols South Africa. The first time was in Season 9, then in Season 10, and finally in Season 11, where her rendition of Demi Lovato's "Skyscraper" earned her second place on 22 November 2015. Fans reacted strongly; one headline proclaimed "Our Idols was robbed!."Music and live performances
Following Idols, she signed with Universal Music South Africa, but later pursued gospel music independently via her company, Mmatema Moremi Media Productions Ltd. 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. 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.She released her debut album Love. Praise. Worship. recorded live at Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria. Singles include "Because of You". 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.