The Walter Sisulu University choir walked away victorious at the Tiro Mpane National Choral Eisteddfod held on Saturday in Makhanda’s Guy Butler Theatre.
The competition provides a platform for choirs and vocal ensembles from across the nation to showcase their musical prowess and to inspire audiences with their creativity and passion.
This year, they earned an overall 83% and will compete in the national finals in Durban on December 13-14.
The university’s Mthatha campus choir took first place against eight Eastern Cape choirs, winning with songs such as African piece Indlel’eyeGolgotha by CT Ngqobe and the western piece Helas Mon coeur s’egare encore by Jacques Offenbach.
Chorister and third-year bachelor of education student Luvuyo Moni said, like any other competition, they walked in prepared to deliver their melodic voices to the audience.
“We walked in there with no expectations but armed with preparations,” he said.
“We did not expect to win the competition; we went in there to compete like in any other competition.”
Moni said taking part in a new competition such as Tiro, they did not know what to expect.
The competition is rooted in a rich tradition of choral music and the event pays homage to the heritage and legacy of this timeless art form.
From traditional hymns to contemporary compositions, the stage is a vibrant tapestry of diverse voices and styles, reflecting the beauty and diversity of our cultural landscape.
“As the team, going through to the finals is very exciting,” Moni said.
“There is an upcoming competition that we are looking forward to taking part in. We can rest assured that WSU will deliver.”
He said the team would be part of the Battle of Municipalities choir competition which will be held at the ICC on October 5-6.
Collecting many accolades on their path, they have previously won at the Higher Education Institutions Performing Arts Festival 2019, OR Tambo Festival 2023, Battle of Municipalities 2023 and ANC Pet Choral Festival 2024.
Choir chair Sakhumzi Hlamandana attributes the win to the team and says it is a reflection of the members’ unwavering dedication.
“Winning the competition was a great move for the team. It is not the first time that we have won competitions,” he said.
Hlamandana says this serves as a positive development and upliftment of talent among students.
“There are obstacles that we have had to overcome which led us to find better ways to navigate and to make schedules to suit all students, since they also have to give attention to their studies,” he said.
“Sometimes we needed the assistance of experts in music, for which we would have to fundraise.”
To generate funds they recently held a car wash initiative where members collaborated and have also reached out to potential sponsors for donations.
“The money goes to conductors who assist the choir to be what it is,” he said.
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