Pure Voices Choir from Eswatini has won a total of E110,000 at the Buang Moloto Music Competition held at the Rustenburg Civic Centre on October 31. The choir competed in four categories: Sitibili, Orchestra, Music Theatre, and A capella. Their impressive performances earned them top honors and substantial cash prizes. The choir's conductor, Gabazi Nxumalo, expressed his joy at overcoming stiff competition from top South African choirs and lifting Eswatini's flag high on an international stage.
In the A capella category, Pure Voices secured first place with their powerful rendering of the song 'Minthiro Yavula Vula', earning E15,000. They continued their winning streak in the Folklore/Music Theatre category, where their vibrant performance of the Swati traditional dance Umtsimba took first position, bagging an additional E20,000. The choir's success was capped off with their impressive performance in the Orchestra presentation, where they performed 'Ingubo Yothando' and earned the main prize of E70,000.
Pure Voices was not the only group representing Eswatini at the international event. The Mbabane Methodist Church Choir and Dolce Harmony Chorus also participated. However, Dolce Harmony and Mbabane Methodist Church Choir unfortunately returned home without securing a prize in any category. The two choirs travelled to the competition on different days, with Pure Voices and Mbabane Methodist Church Choir departing together on Thursday, October 29, and Dolce Harmony Chorus leaving on Friday, October 30.
Conductor Gabazi Nxumalo was also recognized for his exceptional leadership, winning the Best Conductor award and an additional E5,000. Nxumalo attributed the choir's success to their collective effort and dedication. He emphasized that achieving the best results was not easy but expressed pride in the choir's accomplishments.
Despite their massive success, Nxumalo pointed out the ongoing financial challenges faced by the choir. He appealed to stakeholders and private organizations to step forward with financial support for Eswatini's talented musicians. The choir's victory has brought pride to Eswatini, showcasing the country's rich musical talent on an international platform.
The Buang Moloto Music Competition is a prestigious event that attracts top choirs from across the region. This year's competition saw stiff competition from top South African choirs, making Pure Voices' victory all the more remarkable. The choir's win has inspired a sense of national pride, highlighting the importance of music and the arts in Eswatini.
As Pure Voices basks in the glory of their achievement, they hope to continue performing and representing Eswatini on the international stage. With the support of sponsors and stakeholders, the choir aims to build on their success and promote Eswatini's rich cultural heritage through music.
Key points
- Pure Voices Choir wins E110,000 at Buang Moloto Music Competition
- Conductor Gabazi Nxumalo wins Best Conductor award
- Choir's victory brings pride to Eswatini, showcasing the country's musical talent
