Renowned opera singer Nomusa Yende to feature in 8th annual Joburg Choral Festival
Opera singer Nomusa Yende is set to feature in the 8th Arts Alive Joburg Choral festival.
The event will take place on May 11 at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein.
Nomusa, also known as Sasa, has been in the industry for almost a decade, and has performed throughout the country, the Sadc region and Mississippi in the US.
She said the audience can expect a journey through different emotional worlds.
'I've chosen three contrasting arias that each reveal a different facet of the human experience — passion, vulnerability, and joy. My goal is to fully inhabit each piece, not only vocally but emotionally so the audience feels every shift in mood and character. It's about storytelling through music, and I want each aria to feel like its own little universe,' she said.
Sasa is busy with the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod.
'This is the season for schools competitions. I am adjudicating from province to province and working with a few choirs in preparation for the competition. I am also busy with preparations for the 8th annual Joburg Choral Festival, and preparations for international singing competitions which I cannot disclose.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Experience the magic of ‘Matilda', ‘Master Harold' and ‘Sarafina' on stage in Joburg this June
Zia Kani, Amira Nathan and Peo-entle Pitso will alternate the leading role of Matilda. Matilda The Musical Jr Roald Dahl's classic book is set to come to extraordinary life on stage for the very first time in Joburg this week. The play tells the story of Matilda, a gifted little girl with telekinetic powers. The youngster lives a tumultuous life with her parents and the show chronicles her bid to free herself, using her brilliant mind. Directed by Jill Girard, the leading role will be alternated between 10-year-olds, Amira Nathan, Zia Kani and Peo-entle Pitso. Meanwhile, Miss Honey will be played by Amelia Stephens, Luciano Zuppa will take on the role of Miss Agatha Trunchbull, with Jordan Rogers and Raymond Skinner starring as Matilda's parents. Where: The Peoples Theatre at the Joburg Theatre. When: Currently until July 27. Show times differ, depending on the day. Master Harold and the Boys This play by the renowned late Athol Fugard is directed by Warona Seane and stars Sello Maake KaNcube, Daniel Anderson and Lebohang Motaung. It is set in South Africa during apartheid in 1950 and the play depicts how institutionalised racism, bigotry or hatred can become absorbed by those who live under it. Where:Theatre On The Square When: Currently until June 29. Show times differ, depending on the day. Sarafina! This special restaging of the critically acclaimed musical is a tribute to Dr Mbongeni Ngema. Directed by Mpho Molepo, the story unfolds in the wake of the historic events of 1976, when approximately 200,000 black students united in protest against the apartheid regime's oppressive education system. Where: Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre. When: Runs until Sunday, June 15, 11am.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Don't miss the power and passion of the Drakensberg Boys Choir at Joburg Theatre!
Gauteng music lovers, the hills may be alive with music, but this June the harmonies and rhythms of the Drakensberg Boys Choir will echo through the city's heart. After a sensational home festival in the Drakensberg that drew capacity crowds, the internationally acclaimed Drakensberg Boys Choir brings their unforgettable sound to the Nelson Mandela Stage at Joburg Theatre from 18 to 21 June 2025 for their much-anticipated Music in the City 2025 showcase. While all four nights promise vocal brilliance and moving performances, the Friday and Saturday evening Drakie-only concerts are the heart of the celebration – and the ones you absolutely don't want to miss. Spotlight on Friday and Saturday: Pure Drakie Power On Friday, 20 June, at 18:30, the Drakensberg Boys Choir will take centre stage with a thrilling performance featuring their signature blend of classical choral works, African rhythms, and high-energy Afro-pop medleys. Then, on Saturday, 21 June, at 19:00, the Gala Concert will close out the festival with a musical spectacle of epic proportions – a culmination of months of preparation, artistry, and raw talent. This is not just a concert; it's a celebration of everything the Drakies stand for as a world-renowned choir. These are the flagship performances of the season, and the boys have poured everything into them, says Jacques Linde, recently appointed Head of Choral Activities and Conductor. The energy, the choreography, the repertoire – it's going to be an unforgettable experience. Tickets for Friday and Saturday range from R280 to R420, and they're moving fast. Seats are limited, and previous editions have sold out quickly, so book now to secure your place at this extraordinary musical celebration. Tickets are available at and or call 0861 670 670 for more info. Why the weekend matters The Drakensberg Boys Choir's recent Music in the Mountains festival proved why the group remains one of South Africa's most beloved cultural exports. With sold-out performances, collaborations with the KZN Youth Orchestra, and guest choirs from Zimbabwe and beyond, the festival affirmed the Choir's mission: Music is our Ministry. Now, the boys are ready to bring that same spirit to Johannesburg – and you're invited. Whether you're a long-time fan or a first-time listener, don't miss this chance to experience the Drakensberg Boys Choir's passion, precision, and pure joy in their element. Book your seats for Friday and Saturday today – and be part of something truly unforgettable. Unlike the collaborative Voices of Unity concerts earlier in the week, Friday and Saturday concerts are exclusively Drakensberg Boys Choir, showcasing only the boys, their music, and their powerful message of hope. Expect soaring harmonies, percussive energy, and the goosebump-inducing performance that has earned the Drakies a global fanbase. 'Music in the City has become a cornerstone of our calendar', says Hendrik Bekker, Executive Head of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School. 'It connects us to new audiences and reminds people that we are raising incredible musicians and future leaders. The event is also a vital fundraiser for the school's bursary programme, which helps gifted boys from all walks of life access world-class musical education, regardless of financial means. Nothing unites a nation like music. The Drakies are a truly South African cultural asset.' Every ticket sold helps us nurture the next generation of talent. It's more than just a night out – an investment in something extraordinary. Book Tickets now At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- The Citizen
A ‘cultural warrior' remembered: Joburg Theatre launches the Mbongeni Ngema Festival
The festival opened on 1 June with the unveiling of Ngema's star on the Diamond Walk of Fame. A person's influence and contributions to society become more evident after they've died; this is evinced in how others elongate their legacy after their demise. Renowned South African playwright Dr Mbongeni Ngema is one of those, as the Joburg Theatre is honouring him through the inaugural Mbongeni Ngema Festival. 'Dr Mbongeni Ngema was not just a playwright or composer; he was a cultural warrior whose work gave voice to the voiceless and told our stories with fearless honesty and immense beauty,' said Artistic Director at Joburg City Theatres James Ngcobo. 68-year-old Ngema passed away in a head-on collision in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, on the evening of 27 December 2023. 'As the City of Joburg, it is both our duty and our privilege to honour his legacy.' The Mbongeni Ngema Festival kicked off on the first of this month, and the opening day was marked by the unveiling of Ngema's star on the theatre's diamond walk of fame. Sunday was also the opening of the theatre production, Sarafina! ALSO READ: SABC accused of stealing Mbongeni Ngema's TV show idea and could face legal action Sarafina! and the G20 Summit The Joburg Theatre is staging Ngema's Sarafina! running until 15 June. The play is directed by Mpho Molelpo, choreographed by Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema. Ngcobo says the staging of the politically inspired play is a bold cultural statement, considering the city plans to host the G20 Summit later this year. 'As Joburg prepares to host the world during the G20 Summit, staging Sarafina at Joburg Theatre right in the heart of the City of Gold serves as a bold cultural statement,' he said. 'It reflects the city's commitment to showcasing its rich artistic heritage on the global stage. In honouring Dr. Mbongeni Ngema's legacy during this pivotal moment, Joburg affirms its role as an economic powerhouse and a beacon of African storytelling, resilience, and creative excellence.' ALSO READ: Why Sarafina's soundtrack could be just better than the actual film The Zulu Another of Ngema's plays, The Zulu, will be performed on the Joburg Theatre stage during the playwright's festival. The two-hander is led by actors Abdul Khoza and Nhlakanipho Manqele. The Zulu delves deep into the history of the Zulu nation. 'In programming this production at Joburg Theatre, we aimed to honour Mbongeni Ngema's contributions, as they encapsulate the diverse traditions that have influenced the community, fostering a deep connection to their significant legacy,' shared Ngcobo. The Zulu opens this Friday night and will run until the festival's completion on 22 June. NOW READ: Sarafina! becomes first SA film to return to Cannes Film Festival after 30 years
