By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

After an entertaining six episode run on Channel O and Mzansi Magic, Mikhale Jones has emerged as the winner of MTN Pulse Virals, walking away with a prize package valued at R200 000. 

Not merely another talent show, against seven other contestants Jones made it through a gauntlet of challenges aimed at equipping the contestants with essential business knowledge needed to succeed in the music industry led by mentors with experience in that space. 

The music video for her new single, "Be Like Me", which is part of her prize package, has been released and will feature on Channel O's rotation. 

Commenting on her win, Jones said she had been overwhelmed with the support from the public on social media and experienced in public during the run of the show.  

"I was excited to be selected as one of the contestants from the hundreds of entrants that came in, but I wasn't prepared for the support I got from people watching the show. Now, having won, I'm taking everything I've learnt and gained from this competition, especially that prize package, and using it to build a team who sees my vision and helps me execute it to take my career to the next level."

When asked what she believes enabled her to make to the top of MTN Pulse Virals, Jones referenced her "self cav."

"We worked with an incredible array of judges and mentors such as Yanga Chief, Ayanda MVP, DJ PH, Focalistic, Tresor, Majorsteez and so many more during MTN Pulse Virals, and while their feedback and critiques were invaluable, so was my self cav. That means not only knowing your strengths, but also knowing your weaknesses. Understanding who you are, and also trusting that no one knows you better than you."

MTN Pulse Virals was conceptualised and hosted by Siya Metane, popularly known as Slikour.  

Metane says that "as a music publication, SlikourOnLife receives a significant volume of submissions from aspiring musicians seeking a breakthrough in the industry. We strive to cover as many of these submissions as possible, but we wanted to come up with a way in which to reach as many of these potential future stars. On the other hand, MTN is widely recognised for its platforms that provide extensive access to entertainment, offering innovative avenues to support emerging artists. When these two thoughts came together, we took the idea to MTN who not only understood the vision we had, but have also been incredible partners through this process."

Seun Soladoye, General Manager for Prepaid Segment at MTN South Africa, adds, “Our vision for MTN Pulse, MTN's exclusive offering for under 25s, is to offer South Africa's youth opportunities for internships, mentorships, and skill development in diverse fields including music."

Recognising the pivotal role of music in creating unforgettable moments, MTN Pulse is dedicated to enhancing your experiences. Our choice to partner with the SlikourOnLife team for MTN Pulse Virals was simple because we couldn't pass the opportunity to assist in equipping South Africa's upcoming viral sensations with the tools needed to transition from obscurity to iconic status, "adds Soladoy.

Having watched Mikhale shine throughout the run of the show, she's shown we made the right choice. As MTN Pulse, we not only wish her the best as she continues on her journey to be South Africa's next superstar but are also excited for our next chance to work with her again." 

Jones concludes saying that, "it’s truly an amazing platform that MTN has provided for not only me, but all the other incredibly talented contestants on the show who have also gained a wealth of experience, to say nothing of the countless other aspiring artists across the country who followed MTN Pulse Virals, which will also propel them to greater heights in their art and careers."