CHORISTER GETS OPERA UCT SCHOLARSHIP

Mbabane - Eswatini-born acclaimed Opera singer Themba Mdlalose has been enrolled at the prestigious South African College of Music at the University of Cape Town, also known as Opera UCT.

The South African college of Music offers training in a range of orchestral instruments, piano, voice, African music and Jazz. The college boasts several string, wind, jazz and percussion ensembles as well as choirs, a symphony orchestra and Jazz Big Band. The 22-year-old Ntjilo-Ntjilo Solo Bass champion said he got the opportunity through one of the directors, Professor Jeremy Silver, who identified his talent earlier last year. He will be enrolled in a Bachelor of Music (BMus) programme.  “This is an amazing opportunity that I believe will open doors to so many others doors. The institution that I will be enrolled in is by far the best, not only in the continent but also the world. Having produced Opera singers like Pretty Yende, Levy Sekgapane, Luthando Qave and Sonnyboy Dladla to mention but a few who have successfully established their opera careers in Europe. “Pretty Yende performed at King Charles’ Coronation last year, which goes to show that this institution produces world-class singers. I also hope to follow in the footsteps of these great giants,” he said. Mdlalose, who is also a Music director of UNESWA Chorale and founding member of Varsity Melodies, said he will be getting financial aid from the institution. He went on to express his gratitude to all the people who have supported him, including his family.

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“Much appreciation to Professor Jeremy, who made all this possible. I would also like to express my utmost gratitude to Stanley Dlamini, Chairperson of the Eswatini National Arts and Culture Council, Mathokoza Sibiya, Philani Mpandze of Classical Indulgence and Melisizwe Zwane, who has been my long-time mentor, having assisted me for all the years to develop my craft,” he added. Mdlalose is not the first liSwati to be part of the college. Internationally acclaimed Opera singer Lwazi Dlamini from Siteki is also enrolled at the same institution. 
The two artists join other locals who have hoisted the country’s flag. Talented Thando Zwane has taken home several titles, including the best Audience Prize at Les Azuriales Opera International 2019 Opera Singing Competition in France.

He has also graced many stages in Italy and has represented the country in Latvia. Latvia is situated in north-eastern Europe with a coastline along the Baltic Sea and has borders with Estonia, Belarus and Russia. Eswatini National Choral Music Association (ENCMA) Chairperson Sihle Gumbi said this news was great for the whole of Eswatini.  “We are so much privileged to have some of us going outside the country for music. As an association, we are so happy with Mdlalose and we wish him well, we know very well that he will come to share the experience he will get in Cape Town and we also thank the Office of the Arts and Culture for helping out with those logistics which were needed. This attests to the fact that Eswatini is a home of true talent,” said Gumbi.

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