E16 500 UP FOR GRABS AT CHORAL COMPETITIONS

MBABANE – High-pitched, nicely nurtured voices will  engulf the walls of Happy Valley Hotel.

The highly anticipated choral music competitions hosted by Eswatini National Choral Music Association (ENCMA) will be held on Sunday. President Sihle Gumbi officially annouced the performace order and the prizes to be won. The total amount to be won is E16 500. Under the solo  competions, the  first winner will walk away with E2 000, the second winner will get E1 500 and third place will be awarded E1 000. Competing for the aforementioned rewards are Precious Magagula, Thulisile Mndzebele and Tengesihle Gwebu under the soprano category.

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For the alto category, Thembelihle Khumalo will be the only contestant. The tenor group will feature Mongezi Simelane, Yenziwe Simelane and Vulindlela Dlakude. The bass competitors include Njabulo Mahlalela, Thando Zwane and Themba Mdlalose. “The competition is aimed at encouraging local talent and developing it to its full potential through networks in the industry. We are  excited and we are looking forward to the main day,” Gumbi said. It is worth noting that the competitions will also feature mass choirs which include Eswatini Mighty Voices, Pure Voices, Royal Eswatini Police Choir, Mbabane Methodist Church Choir, Manzini Choir, Florence Catholic Choir and Sweet Sounds.

“We had planned to only host solo competitions, but with the ease of COVID-19 regulations and the support from government, we have dedided to include mass choirs,” he said. The main award for choirs is E12 000. The first place winner will be given E5 000, the second choir will be awarded E4 000 and the third position will get E3 000. “We are supported by different associations including Macmillan, Old Mutual and Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture. We are grateful and we hope our marriage will continue, we would also like to urge other companies to join us as we help elevate the choral music fraternity,” Gumbi said. It is worth noting that this will be the first local choral activity ever since COVID-19 affected the country. “Choral music is big locally and we are excited to be hosting competitions again, we will be adhering to all health precautions. With the current second wave, we will be considering the digital platforms and we also understand that safety is very important.”

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