MBABANE – The African piece ’Kusekhaya la’ by local maestro Melisizwe Zwane saw a number of international choirs compete with at the Tiro Mpane Foundation National Choral Eisteddfod regional eliminations.
The composition was performed by a remarkable eight International Standard Category choirs and two local Standard Category choirs including Emmanuel Methodist Choir and Pure Voices, marking a significant milestone for the Swati composer and conductor.
The Tiro Mpane Foundation National Choral Eisteddfod regional eliminations competition is one of the leading Choral Music Competitions in Southern Africa that draws top choirs from Eswatini , South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana and Zimbabwe competing for a spot in the finals to be held in Rustenburg, Sun City South Africa on December 20 to 21.
In an interview with Zwane, he explained that 56 choirs had registered in the standard category. Each song prescribed for the competition could only be sung by two choirs per region. “Songs were chosen on a first come, first serve basis, meaning choirs that registered first had the privilege to choose ‘Kusekhaya la’ in the end, Kusekhaya la was sung by nine of the 56 choirs in the regional eliminations” he said.
Zwane elaborated that during the finals, the song will be sung by two of the 10 choirs and it was the best performed in the eliminations and sits at position one on the log.
The composer is not only a celebrated composer but also the acclaimed conductor of the His Majesty’s Correctional Services Choir (HMCSC), a well-known powerhouse in regional choral competitions, often scooping number one in numerous Choral music competitions.
He has composed songs including ‘Ingoma’ that was sung by Large Category choirs during the Standard Bank Choral Music Competition hosted recently.
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