3 days ago
Khutsong learner scores 100% for piano solo despite not reading music
A Grade 12 learner from Khutsong South has amazed the local arts community by earning 100% for his piano solo at the Merafong Arts Festival, held at Laerskool Losberg in Fochville on Thursday, August 31.
Ndzalama Mpondomse, who attends high school in the area, stunned judges with a flawless performance — an even more remarkable achievement considering that he cannot read sheet music.
'I am from a musical family,' Ndzalama explains. 'My father was a choir conductor, and I actually started out playing drums.'
His musical journey later led him to the keyboard, which he began playing at the Christian Assembly Church International, founded by his grandfather. But it was during the Covid-19 lockdown that his passion for music deepened.
'I was stuck at home and borrowed the church's keyboard on weekends to perfect my skills,' he says. 'Before Covid I could only play in one key — but during lockdown, I taught myself seven more.'
What began as a hobby has now grown into a serious passion. In addition to church performances, Ndzalama now plays gospel music at public events, including the All White Picnic near Red Cap Ranch on New Year's Day. While he has already recorded several tracks, they have yet to be officially released.
Looking ahead, Ndzalama plans to pursue computer skills at TUT (Tshwane University of Technology) to help make online music education more accessible — especially for young people like him who want to learn without formal training.
'My dream is to offer music lessons online, but that will have to wait a few months. Right now, I need to focus on my matric exams,' he adds.
