Randall Abrahams on his love of radio, music and his career

Randall Abrahams is probably best known as the longest-serving judge on Idols SA.

He joined 702's Clement Manyathela in studio, and revealed that his love of music and radio started at a very young age.

"When I was really really young, and I mean four years old – I started listening to the radio... by five or six I was already, in my brain, listing what I wanted to listen to... I would certainly know what was on, and at what time it was on.

"The music thing I guess it was imbued in me, I just loved popular music from the minute I heard it on the radio... I could remember what the songs were, who they were by, what the tune was, what the words were."

Abrahams achieved the notorious reputation as a stern judge on Idols SA, which often made people nervous to approach him off-screen.

"Television is so amazing, because it's this tiny screen in your house and you think you know people.

In the case of Idols... for me, getting into the record business was a very serious thing, and I also realise what it takes in order to make it – it's not only about being a good singer or good performer, it also takes determination and hard work, and having to dig deep."

He reiterates that winning the singing competition is one thing, and going on to have a career is another – and one can use the show as a platform, even without being the winner.

In terms of career longevity, Abrahams has some simple advice:

"You have to love it... it has to be the reason that you wake up in the morning."

To listen to Randall Abrahams in conversation with 702's Clement Manyathela, click the audio below: