by Gerrit Bester

Thamsanqa (Thami) Zungu, one of the country's leading conductors and a lecturer in the Tshwane University of Technology's (TUT) Department of Performing Arts (Vocal Art), Faculty of Arts and Design, was awarded a PhD in Music by the University of the Witwatersrand on 9 December. In an interview, he talks about his journey to achieve this new title and emphasises that postgraduate study is an investment in the future. 

             Thamsanqa (Thami) Zungu, was awarded a PhD in Music by the University of the Witwatersrand.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR CAREER SO FAR. I am content that I am nationally recognised as one of the important figures in vocal music. This is evidenced by two artistic director positions I hold in South African festivals and the invitations as external examiner for top music departments in the country. Lastly, my former students conduct school choirs all over the country with others singing abroad, like Katlego Mokhoabane in Austria and Nontobeko Bhengu in Germany. 

WHAT IS THE TITLE OF YOUR PhD DISSERTATION AND WHO WAS YOUR SUPERVISOR/S-PROMOTER/S? The Voice of the Black Choir: Exploring the Sounds of Vernacular Language Singing in a Performance of Mzilikazi Khumalo’s UShaka. I was supervised by Dr Grant Olwage.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT ON THIS JOURNEY TO SELECT THE RIGHT SUPERVISOR/S-PROMOTER/S? It is extremely important. My supervisor was very supportive and knowledgeable. In turn, he was able to guide me through the research process, provided valuable feedback and helped me to overcome challenges that I faced during my studies. As my mentor, he has opened doors to valuable networks. For example, I presented a paper at a South African Society for Research in Music (SASRIM) conference in July 2024 and I am busy writing my article for the Black Opera Research Network (BORN).

SHORTLY EXPLAIN THE MAJOR FINDINGS/DISCOVERIES MADE AS PART OF YOUR STUDY AND HOW THEY CONTRIBUTE TO THE CURRENT BODY OF KNOWLEDGE IN THIS FIELD. The main aim of my research was to explore the phonetic attributes of the IsiZulu language in choral singing. Through the practical work undertaken, in the choral sound experiments for example, I found that the use of choral voice exercises that include depressor consonants are efficient to build ‘the voice of the Black choir’ in singing isiZulu music. I attribute this to laxing (relaxed position) of the cricothyroid and arytenoid muscles that are involved in speech and singing production when pronouncing isiZulu consonants, coupled with legato (a musical performance technique used in music to connect the notes together smoothly) characteristics of isiZulu language due to the prominence of elision and the fact that most isiZulu words end in vowels.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR FELLOW STAFF MEMBERS WHO ARE BUSY WITH THEIR DOCTORAL STUDIES OR ARE CONTEMPLATING SUCH STUDIES? It is important to set realistic goals. So, break down your research into manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

WHAT ARE YOUR RESEARCH INTERESTS, AND HOW IMPORTANT IS RESEARCH OUTPUT IN THE ARTS? My interests are solo singing, choral conducting and language sound. Research output in the arts is highly valuable and important. It plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge, stimulating creativity, fostering critical thinking and contributing to cultural and societal development. It also allows artist practitioners and researchers such as myself to explore new ideas, experiment with different techniques and engage with contemporary issues.

HOW WILL YOU ENCOURAGE A CURRENT STUDENT TO PURSUE POSTGRADUATE STUDIES? By continuously reminding him/her that pursuing postgraduate studies is an investment for the future. In academia, without an advanced degree, you will not be considered adequately qualified to work in the field. 

AS A PERFORMING ARTIST AND CONDUCTOR, TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT SOME OF THE MEMORABLE PRODUCTIONS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN. Our first L’elisir D’amore by Donizetti in 2007 will remain a special event in my life. That is when I confirmed to myself, I can do chorus master work and at the same time prepare the soloists and conduct the whole opera. The opera gala at the Linder auditorium was also special. The collaboration and rapport I witnessed proved we are stronger and more efficient working together.

WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS ACADEMICALLY AT THIS STAGE OF YOUR CAREER?
I have a strong desire to deepen my understanding of creative research, contribute significantly to the recruitment of postgraduate students and mentor them, publish impactful scholarly work and potentially achieve recognition as a leading expert within performing arts.

ANYTHING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD
. Although working on my PhD project was a lot of work, I also learned a lot about my field and myself than I ever thought possible. I encourage colleagues to pursue postgraduate studies for the betterment of the institution and themselves. 

Dr Thamsanqa (Thami) Zungu

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