Times Of Swaziland: ESWATINIBANK SCHOOLS CHORAL: GOOD SHEPHERD SHINES ESWATINIBANK SCHOOLS CHORAL: GOOD SHEPHERD SHINES ================================================================================ Takhona Sithole on 21/06/2024 06:59:00 SITEKI - The Eswatini Choral Music Association recently hosted the elementary and intermediate elimination round in the Lubombo Region, specifically at the Siteki Town Council hall. This event marked the beginning of the battle of the schools for the EswatiniBank Schools Choral Music competition. Over 110 pupils participated in the solo eliminations this year, representing four schools in the Lubombo Region: Charles Wesley High School, Mpaka High School, Good Shepherd High School, and Matsetsa High School. It is worth noting that Good Shepherd scooped the most trophies. The competition featured various categories and performances, showcasing the talent and diversity of the participating schools. The different categories and their corresponding songs included: *Sextet: Competing with the song ‘Woman of Africa’ *Elementary Double Quartet: Competing with the song ‘Tsandzanani’ *Intermediate Double Quartet: Competing with the song ‘Umthandazo Lomile’ *Girls Choir Elementary Category: Competing with the song ‘Bengingekho’ *Intermediate Girls Choir: Competing with the song ‘Sililo Semfati’ *Boys Choir: Competing with the song ‘Salubuya’ *Mixed Choirs Under Elementary Category: Competing with the African piece ‘Lunjalo Lutsandvo’ and the Western piece ‘We Hear’ *Mixed Choirs Under Intermediate Category: Competing with the African piece ‘Bayethe Ma-Afrika’ and the Western piece ‘And The Glory of The Lord’. The renditions of the pupils were particularly noteworthy, with a sensitizing performance on gender-based Violence (GBV) through the rendition of ‘Sililo Semfati’. This showcased their students’ engagement with important social issues, as they lifted their placards to raise awareness about GBV. Sithembiso Dlamini, the association’s chairperson, expressed gratitude to the EswatiniBank for sponsoring the competition for 19 years. He also appreciated the audience for their support of the young choristers. Additionally, adjudicators delivered remarks on their expectations for the renditions, providing beneficial feedback to the conductors who will be preparing schools for the upcoming dates scheduled for the Schools Choral Music competition.