South Africa, April 29 -- The competition, presented in collaboration with Select Musiek (a division of Sony Music Entertainment Africa), came to a dramatic end when an unsuspecting Rudo Schwim from Clarens in the Eastern Free State, was told during a live performance, which he believed was the final part of the competition, that this was his first performance as winner of the singing competition.

"Thank you for everyone's thoughts, prayers and support. I never expected this. I worked hard for this. It's incredible. It's a dream come true. This is going to open doors," said Schwim.

He was rewarded with an exclusive development agreement with Select Musiek for a single that includes professional songwriting and composition, recording and...