Voices of South Africa, or Amazwi Omzansi Africa, as the competition is popularly known in Zulu, was initiated by international South African opera singer, Njabulo Madlala. In 2002, Madlala had a lucky break when he won a scholarship to study at the renowned Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
Each year, the competition organisers identify a small group of young people through a vigorous audition process. They look for talent, but also, and most importantly, passion and a drive and hunger for an opportunity to learn.
The young performers come from all walks of life. Some have had training and some not at all. What speaks for them is their natural talent and how much they want to get somewhere in life.
This year’s competition kicked off during the latter half of July with the Tenor category. Alumnus Katleho Mokhoabane won the main prize in this category (R2 000). This was followed by the Soprano category, in which student, Nosisa Dlamini, won the encouragement prize (R500).
The Mezzo-soprano category was won by student Asisipho Petu (R2 000). She also won the audience prize for the most number of votes throughout the competition (R500).
The under- 22 category was a clean sweep for TUT, with Nosipho Majola, an Advanced Diploma student, winning the Overall category (R2 000), and Nontobeko Bhengu, a Diploma student, clinching a special prize (R500).
Other singers who participated were: Ntombifuthi Ngwenya (alumna), Ntsikelelo Mkwanazi (student), Skosana Mabaso (student), Anne-marie Mailovich (alumna), Simphiwe Yende (student), Charles Shinkwambana (student), and Stephen Mthombeni (student).
The international jury was comprised of Monica-Avelin Iiiv (Estonia), Ildebrando D'arcangelo (Italy), Morris Robinson (USA), Yvonne Howard (UK), and Keel Watson (UK).
Visit the competition Website at https://www.voicesofsouthafrica.org/, or follow the competition’s Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/voicesofsa/?_rdc=1&_rdr