Times Of Swaziland: Manzini choir are Old Mutual champs

Manzini choir are Old Mutual champs
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BY NHLANHLA MATHUNJWA on 27/08/2013 02:22:00


MBABANE – The Esangweni Hall was filled with joy and excitement as Manzini
Choir were crowned the regional champions of this year’s 36th Old Mutual
National Choir Festival.
The choir, led by Buhlobo Nhlabatsi, competed against three other choirs in the
large section category.
These were His Majesty’s Correctional Services Choir, Harmonious Chorus Sounds
and the Mbabane Methodist Church Choir.
The judges, led by veteran conductor and choral music composer Sikelela Msibi,
had a tough time in deciding the winner as all four choirs were at their best.
It took about nine hours for Manzini to know the final result as there were 14
choirs that took part in the festival that was divided into two sections being
the standard and the large sections.
Manzini Choir performed only two songs that saw them walking away with a sum of
E10 000 and a trophy. The songs were the western song titled ‘Nun Horet
Mich’ and ‘Kwadedangendlela’.
As soon as the choir took over the stage, most of the people who attended
especially the choir’s followers screamed while others stood up and clapped
their hands.
Giving them a tight competition was the Harmonious Chorus Sounds who were also
well prepared for the competition. The choir also displayed a wonderful
performance which raised hopes that they would come out tops.
However, when the results were released, Manzini Choir were crowned the
champions of the competition.
Difficult
Zodwa Twani one of the judges mentioned that they had a difficult time
especially under the large section because all the choirs were well prepared for
the competition.
She said they had to make sure that they listened attentively as most choirs
knew what they where doing on stage.
Soon after Manzini Choir was crowned champions, there was celebration inside the
hall. The choristers and the followers sang on top of their voices celebrating
their victory.
By 7pm, the choir choristers were still outside the hall as they danced while
displaying the all important trophy and their cheque.