The exceptional voice of Siyabonga Sindane, a first-year BEd (FET) student, has won him several awards. He was the winner of the ‘Tuks has Talent’ competition and walked away with the cash prize of R2 000. He also received membership and a gymnasium attire from the Tuks Gymnasium. He said that he felt grateful and encouraged by the recognition he received from lecturers and student friends on campus.
Encouraged by two teachers at school who had recognised his talent, Siyabonga started singing solos in church and in choirs when he was in Grade 9. He also downloaded audio recordings from the internet, which he used for practising. This boosted his confidence.
‘Jonas Kaufmann is my role model in singing, because his voice is unique. There is no other tenor who can sing like he does. His technique is incredible,’ Siyabonga said. He added: ‘My dream is to win the BBC International Opera Competition and to sing in opera houses around the globe. I would also like to teach young music students opera music, and I think it will be great to teach modules in which the focus is on choral and gospel music.’
He is currently the conductor at his former school, Rorobhani Junior Secondary School in Mpumalanga, which is where he lives. He was also the conductor at another school that won a national award and was placed second in the South African School Choir Eisteddfod.
Siyabonga would like the University of Pretoria to participate in SATICA, an opera and choral music competition for universities.
Virtual Campus
Get Social With Us
Download the UP Mobile App