Third-year Social Sciences student Ms Zinhle Madela. Humanities Student part of Champion Choir
Third-year Social Sciences student Ms Zinhle Madela recently featured in the televised reality talent contest Clash of the Choirs SA as a member of the victorious KwaZulu-Natal team - Team Robbie (Robbie Malinga).
The second season of the competition saw seven choirs from seven provinces, under the leadership of seven celebrity choirmasters, in the running for the title.
After battling it out against competitors from Gauteng and Mpumalanga, Madela and her team were crowned the reigning champions receiving a R750 000 cash prize of which they donated R250 000 to their chosen charity Ikhwezi Welfare Organisation.
It all began for Madela, when she underwent a gruelling audition before being selected to be part of the 20-strong KZN choir. ‘The experience was priceless and worth it. It has taught me to be persistent, to respect time, respect the people that I’m working with and to do my best at all times,’ she said.
‘Working on a TV show was cool and so is the fame that has come with it. All the calls and interviews have boosted my self-esteem. The spotlights, cameras and music were our daily bread. The taste of that lifestyle was great but it also demanded hard work.’
Madela’s love for music began at an early age while singing at church. Her career blossomed and she soon began performing for events before landing the spot on Clash of the Choirs SA.
Madela has managed to keep up with her studies, submitting assignments via email in between rehearsals. She returned to campus to write her exams before heading back to Johannesburg for the show.
‘This competition has allowed me to make a link between my talent and my career which is ?my dream. My education has been the main resource in furthering my talent in music.’
Her advice to other musicians? ‘It’s important to nurture, groom, manage and build? your talent and that comes with learning extra things that will help you. But mostly don't give up on your talent.’
Madela hopes to become a professional singer and business woman within the next five years.
Melissa Mungroo