Twelve backing vocalists were selected on Saturday to join South African gospel star Dr Tumi’s upcoming performance at Mbabane Alliance Church on July 5.
After a full day of auditions at the Manzini Arts and Culture Studios, Kufeziwe Communications and its panel of adjudicators selected the final 12 vocalists who will form part of the choir backing Dr Tumi during his highly anticipated performance next month.
More than 100 aspiring singers registered for the auditions, all hoping to secure a coveted place on the stage alongside one of gospel music’s most celebrated performers.
Auditions began at 8am and concluded at 5pm, with hopeful vocalists arriving throughout the day to showcase their abilities before a panel comprising Mnqobi Maseko, Thami Ndlovu, Mzayoni Tsabedze, Tenele Shongwe and Sanele Sydney Simelane.
Contestants entered the audition room one by one before later being grouped according to their vocal ranges. The judges listened attentively as singers demonstrated their technique, tone, stage presence and ability to blend with others. Several rounds of assessment followed before the final selection was made.
Speaking after the auditions, adjudicator Sanele Sydney Simelane praised the standard of talent on display.
“We received an overwhelming response from the public and that speaks volumes about the talent that exists in the country. The process was not easy because there were many gifted singers. We were looking beyond individual ability and focusing on who could work effectively as part of a backing vocal ensemble,” said Simelane.
Fellow adjudicator Mzayoni Tsabedze said the chosen vocalists demonstrated the qualities needed for a professional production.
“We were assessing vocal quality, consistency, discipline and the ability to blend with others. Backing vocalists play a crucial role in supporting the main artist, so teamwork and adaptability were important considerations throughout the selection process,” said Tsabedze.
Among those selected was Sanele Shiba, who described the experience as both challenging and rewarding.
“I am grateful and excited to have been chosen. There were many talented people at the auditions, so being selected means a lot to me. This is an opportunity to grow, learn and represent myself well on a major stage. I am looking forward to rehearsals and giving my best performance,” said Shiba.
Following the auditions, Kufeziwe Communications representative Siyabonga Sukati briefed successful candidates on expectations ahead of the July event. Vocalists were encouraged to remain flexible, maintain vocal health, get adequate rest and prepare thoroughly for rehearsals.
Sukati also indicated that an experienced vocalist would be added to strengthen the tenor section ahead of rehearsals. He also revealed that a larger pool of singers would be developed for future productions, with callbacks expected as Kufeziwe Communications continues to expand opportunities for local talent.
The selected singers will now spend the coming weeks rehearsing and refining their performances as preparations intensify for Dr Tumi’s appearance at Mbabane Alliance Church on July 5.
The successful vocalists selected were:
Sopranos: Lindelwa Maluka, Sibusisiwe Gama, Wakhile Myeni and Bongisiwe Mabuza
Altos: Nokukhanya Mkhonta, Blessing Tsabedze, Sihlelelwe Masuku and Setsabile Mkhonta
Tenors: Thembeka Bhembe, Nqoba Mayile and Sanele Shiba.
