Unisa competition highlights TUT Performing Arts talent
Academics
29 January 2026
The Department of Performing Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Arts and Design started 2026 on a high note.
It announced that two current students, Nolwazi Khumalo and Rorisang Sechele, and alumna Daniella Hart Rossouw competed in the qualifying round of UNISA’s International Voice Competition (Jazz Voice category). Sechele and Hart Rossouw, the latter having completed her Master’s degree in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas, have since advanced to the finals.
The 7th Unisa International Voice Competition takes place until 31 January, attracting outstanding vocal talent from across the globe and reaffirming the university’s longstanding commitment to excellence in music performance and education.
The competition was established as Unisa’s flagship artistic and educational initiative through the Unisa Music Foundation. As one of Africa’s leading international music competitions, it aims to identify, nurture and showcase exceptional vocal talent at an international standard.
Consequently, it provides young singers with performance opportunities, professional feedback from internationally acclaimed jurors and exposure to global artistic networks.
In addition to the students’ achievements, Dr Roland Moses, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Performing Arts, served as accompanist for two international vocalists from Germany and Guatemala.
Teboho Kobedi (currently enrolled for his Master’s), Lungile Luswazi (who completed a Postgraduate Diploma in 2025) and Eaton Clapper (alum), all former students of Dr Moses, also served as accompanists.
The 2026 competition features Classical Voice and Jazz Voice categories. It will unfold over several rounds, culminating in two final evenings featuring top competitors in each category. Participants will compete for substantial cash prizes, international recognition and career-enhancing opportunities, which include mentorship, engagements and exposure to global industry professionals.
A distinguished panel of international jurors comprising renowned performers, pedagogues, artistic directors, composers and industry leaders, will provide their expertise to ensure a fair, rigorous and artistically informed adjudication process.
The classical voice jury includes Musa Ngqungwana (South Africa/USA), an international bass-baritone, and Claudia Louise Visca (Austria/France), an international voice professor and opera coach. The jazz voice jury includes Greg Jasperse (United States of America), a conductor, arranger and jazz educator, as well as Song Yi Jeon (Switzerland), a vocalist and composer.
