MBABANE — The Choral music fraternity in Eswatini is still reeling from a historic upset following the Ntjilo-Ntjilo competition held on September 20 at the UNESWA Sports Emporium.
In a stunning turn of events, newcomer choir in the Large Category Pure Voices clinched the top position in the African piece category, outperforming seasoned heavyweights and toppling the legendary His Majesty’s Correctional Services Choir. For the longest time, His Majesty’s Correctional Services Choir has dominated the African piece division, maintaining an almost unbroken legacy of securing first place. However, the script was rewritten when Pure Voices stepping onto the Large Category stage for the very first time straight from the Standard Category delivered a masterclass performance.
Performing the prescribed African piece ‘Tinkhabi Tiyaphekelwa’, composed by Mathokoza Sibiya, Pure Voices stunned judges and audience members alike with their precision, vocal blending and emotional depth. Though His Majesty’s Correctional Services Choir fiercely defended their reputation by securing number one in their Western piece, it was Pure Voices who captured the hearts of the audience and the ultimate glory of the day.
Drawing a number of Choral music enthusiasts, the high-stakes event proved to be a highlight moment for the nation’s choral landscape, marked by fierce competition, stellar performances and a redefining of the musical hierarchy.
The competition also marked a major achievement for other rising ensembles, including Lugubhu LweNgwenyama, formerly known as Sweet Sounds, which made its debut appearance in the large category. It shared the stage with a formidable line-up of participating groups, including Royal Eswatini Police Service Choir, Manzini Choir, Gebeni Choristers and Eswatini Mighty Voices. Speaking at the event, competition Founder and Director Sibiya emphasised the core mission of the tournament: Nurturing local talent. He noted that the competition is entirely focused on growing emaSwati, a vision reinforced by the strict rule requiring all choristers to present their national identity cards to verify their citizenship.
Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture CEO Stanley Dlamini, representing the Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, lauded the conductors for elevating the standard of competition and driving fierce rivalry for the prize money. Demonstrating strong government backing, Dlamini committed to supporting the choral music fraternity, specifically pledging assistance for local choirs traveling abroad to compete.
Echoing these sentiments, Sihle Gumbi, President of the Eswatini National Choral Music Association, expressed profound gratitude to the sponsors. He praised their vital role in backing the art form and making a world-class production possible, setting a high benchmark for the remainder of the choral season.
The winning choirs did not instantly receive their cheque on the day of the competition; instead, Sibiya noted that a separate prize presentation will be done.
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