OSCA Students in Muziqanto National Voice Competition

BY: .

After a tough audition for the Muziqanto National Voice Competition hosted by the Afrikaanse Taal en Kultuur Vereninging (ATKV), music students from the Opera Studio and Choral Academy (OSCA) - Ms Amanda Kosi, Mr Njabulo Ntobela and Ms Rashalia Pather - went through to  the second round of the competition.

The ATKV-Muziqanto National Classical Vocal Competition aims to promote vocal training and opera in South Africa, and also to provide an additional scholarship opportunity for singing students. Only candidates at the highest level are selected to compete.

Coming from a musically-gifted family, Kosi  found her passion and calling in opera singing whilst still in school. With the support and encouragement of her family, she began studying at UKZN, learning both the theory and art of opera singing and performance.

Studying at UKZN and being exposed to ongoing performance routines, Kosi wasn’t afraid to grab the opportunity to compete for the first time in such a renowned competition.

‘I went through for the audition and gave it my all and now I’m heading off into the second round of the competition. This is the year in which I want to share my voice with the best of the best. This means a lot to me. I still  hope that I am going to win and fly the UKZN flag high.’  

Mr Njabulo Ntobela was also excited to be competing and is looking forward to representing the University. ‘It is one of the toughest competitions in the country and to be able to be a part of it, is really an achievement in itself. I want to win and I’m going to give it my best shot.’

The students are currently preparing for the upcoming rounds by putting in hours of practice and honing their performance skills with the help of their Voice Lecturer, Mr Lionel Mkhwanazi. They are also planning to ‘size up’ their competitors and to improve their techniques.

Said Mr Mkhwanazi: ‘The music staff are very excited to have three of its students participating in the second round of the ATKV competition. The two opera students form a part of the 12 selected students around the country, while Rashalia Pather forms the part of the 21 students who are non-vocalist.’

'These numbers clearly show the magnitude of the competition at this level. As their voice teacher, there is no better reward than when the public notices the long hours of hard work put in. I hope the University supports these three students and the two staff members who will accompany them.’

Melissa Mungroo