BOM Talent Search programmes provide opportunities for talented individuals to express themselves in their respective art forms and also ensure that they develop the necessary skills tailored to their specific needs.
The culmination of the choral competitions results in the top winners receiving a combination of cash prizes, musical instruments or equipment, and art materials, all aimed at further developing the artistic skills of the successful participants.
The competition draws choral music choirs from all nine provinces. Four other universities participated in the competition, namely TUT, NWU, NMU, and WSU, along with some TVET Colleges.
The UMP Choir was accompanied by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, the Dean of Students
Dr Paul Maminza, and other senior staff members.
Choirmaster, Lonny Mokoena said he was happy with the performance of the choir. "This type of competition was a new environment for the choristers but it was a humbling and a nice experience for me as the Conductor. I know we will be in the top three next time," he said.
The UMP Choir competed in the following categories:
- Solo soprano by Hope Ndlovu. She secured the 13th position.
- Mezzo-soprano by Sonwabise Maqabasa. She achieved the 12th position.
- Solo Tenor by Kulani Mashimbye, who secured the 3rd position.
- Solo baritone by Tshepo Makua; the results from adjudicators are still pending.
- Quintet by Hope Ndlovu, Treasure Digashu, Isak Mngomezulu, Ayanda Nqcane, and Dzanga Rambuda, which received the 13th position.
- Standard Choir Category (Western Song): UMP Choir secured the 8th position; and the 6th position for the Standard Choir Category African Song.
The UMP Choir performed exceptionally well, considering they were competing with mostly professional choirs that have been in the game for many years. The Vice-Chancellor and the Dean of Students attended the competition to support the Choir, and the students were thrilled and motivated to see their Vice-Chancellor travel all the way to personally support them.
The competition organisers expressed their gratitude for the presence of UMP Vice-Chancellor and the Dean of Students at the event, supporting the UMP Choir. In their own words, it was "a great honour and would, hopefully, encourage other leaders to follow suit".
UMP Management would like to extend their thanks to Mr. Joseph Mokoatala, the Manager of Student Governance and Development, for his work in coordinating the Choir's activities. The Choir Conductor, Lonny Mokoena, has been the steadfast backbone of the Choir, and his efforts are greatly appreciated.
Story and Pictures by Student Affairs Division.