KaBokweni songstress brings the trophy home

A Khutsalani Secondary School learner claimed second position during the ABC Motsepe South African School Choral Eisteddfod in eMalahleni on June 3.

Bunhle Sifunda performed an African opera composition titled “Unkulunkulu wenyukile”.

During an interview with Lowvelder Express, the talented soprano said she is thrilled to obtain a second position.

According to her, when she was performing, she was encouraged by her faith in the training she did with her conductor, Phumelele Nkuna.

“The song I performed inspired me and gave me courage. Before going to the stage, I felt blessed already. Somehow, the song motivated me to have confidence. Winning the trophy means I still have a lot of practising to do. As a young person, I never knew that I will sing in front of a huge crowd one day and receive a big trophy. I am very happy about the results,” Bunhle said.

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She started her journey of opera music in Grade Four at Phakane Primary School when she was nine. “I was trained by my former teacher, Musawenkhosi Matsebula. He was the one who discovered my talent.” Bunhle said she will not stop until she reaches position one in next year’s competition. As a way to prepare herself for this, she developed her own technique. I drink a lot of water before my music classes, and every time at home I sing a song called ‘Queen of the Night’, because of the high notes it has.”

Bunhle said she would like to thank her family for their support, as well as the school and Nkuna, who kept on giving her hope.

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Nkuna said they have to win three levels, which include the district, provincial and the championship. Khutsalani Secondary School entered the competition as a choir and one solo opera singer for opera sessions. Unfortunately, the choir did not make it through to the district competition.

Bunhle made it to the provincial level. She is the district champion and the runner-up for the provincial championship.

“The title she won means a lot to the school because as young as she is, she managed to defeat seven other girls who were in higher grades, but she came second, which is a big achievement. I am so proud of her and for listening to all the instructions I taught her,” Nkuna said.

“The technique was to start as early as possible, and that is what we are planning to do even in next year’s competition.”
Nkuna said he wanted the learner to perform on big stages, not only in South Africa, but other countries as well.