10 SOUTH AFRICAN SOPRANOS BRING SACRED POWER TO THE STAGE TONIGHT
From the Cross to the Crown: A Night of Sacred Power at Joburg Theatre
Tonight at 19h30, the stage of Joburg Theatre becomes more than a performance space—it transforms into a sanctuary of sound, spirit, and storytelling as From the Cross to the Crown takes centre stage.
At a time when both South Africa and the world are navigating deep uncertainty, social strain, and emotional fatigue, this production arrives with profound relevance. It asks a timeless question: in moments of collective grief, who carries the sound of mourning, healing, and hope?
The answer echoes powerfully—the soprano.
The Sound of Wailing, The Voice of Healing
In many traditions, the role of “wailing women” has always been sacred—those who give voice to sorrow when words fail. In this production, that ancient calling is reimagined through the extraordinary artistry of South Africa’s leading sopranos.
Who is more skilled at carrying lament, lifting prayer, and transforming pain into beauty than a soprano?
Through soaring vocals and deeply rooted musical traditions, From the Cross to the Crown does not merely entertain—it ministers. It invites audiences into an emotional and spiritual journey from suffering to redemption, from silence to sound, from the cross to the crown.
A Collective of Excellence
Under the direction of Mapula Setlhako, with narration by Lelethu Mahambehlala, and musical guidance from conductor Unathi Malunga and musical director Tshepo Mngoma, this production continues to position sacred music within a contemporary South African theatrical landscape.
The stage will be graced by a powerful collective of sopranos—each bringing their own story, training, and vocal brilliance. From internationally acclaimed performers who have graced global opera stages to emerging voices shaping the future of South African classical music, the ensemble represents both excellence and evolution.
The 10 SOUTH AFRICAN SOPRANOS featured in the production are:
Bongiwe Nakani-Mcetywa
Born in Lady Frere in the Eastern Cape and raised in Khayelitsha, Bongiwe Nakani-Mcetywa is an award-winning soprano and UCT alumna. She won prizes at the Shock Foundation Singing Competition, Amazwi Omzansi and the Neue Stimmen International Singing Competition in Germany. She later joined the Wiener Staatsoper Ensemble (2016–2020), performing alongside leading international artists. Since returning to South Africa she has performed in Hansel and Gretel, Madiba the African Opera and Sara Baartman – The Opera. She also founded AfriArts Chorus.
Busisiwe Ngejane
Busisiwe is known for her powerful stage presence. She trained with the Isango Ensemble Training Programme and performed Pamina in The Magic Flute in London’s West End in the Olivier Award-winning Best Musical Revival. Her roles include Mimi (La Bohème), Micaëla (Carmen) and Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). She has toured internationally with Cape Town Opera and currently performs at the Glyndebourne Opera Festival in England.
Khumbuzile Dlamini
Khumbuzile holds a BA in Music from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has performed widely as a soloist with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra. Her operatic roles include Mimi in La Boh̬me and Pamina in The Magic Flute. She has toured internationally with Opera Africa in Princess Magogo and appeared in productions at the State Theatre and Joburg Theatre. She has performed with Gauteng Opera since 2014, including portraying Winnie Mandela in Ubuntu РThe Opera.
Letago Kekana
Letago made her opera debut in 2017 with Gauteng Opera as a chorus member in La Bohème. She later worked with international bass Kevin Short during Don Giovanni at Joburg Theatre. Her roles include Papagena and Gianetta, and she has appeared as a soprano soloist in Mozart’s Coronation Mass. She holds National and Advanced Diplomas in Performing Arts from TUT and recently appeared in productions with Cape Town Opera.
Neo Mamohau Moatshe
Neo is an emerging opera and choral singer from Kagiso. Inspired by church choirs and mentors including Thato Moatshe and Molefe Chauke, Neo has developed a strong and expressive vocal style. A career highlight includes performing Pie Jesu in a masterclass with soprano Priya Ndlovu under Professor Santisa Viljoen. Neo has also performed as a soloist with community choirs and is currently developing their career through the B# Academy.
Siphokazi Maphumulo (Nonzwakazi)
Siphokazi, known as Nonzwakazi, is a versatile soprano and University of KwaZulu-Natal graduate. She gained recognition after winning first prize in both the Soprano and Mezzo-Soprano categories at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Schools Choral Eisteddfod. Her stage roles include Musetta in La Bohème and leading roles in Uqomisa Iliba and uZyankomo. She regularly performs as a soprano soloist with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra.
Siyasanga Mbuyazwe Ngozi
Siyasanga was born in Cala in the Eastern Cape and trained through the Cape Town Opera Choral Training Programme before studying at the University of Cape Town. Her roles include Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute, Antonia and Olympia in The Tales of Hoffmann, and Queen of the Fairies in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She performs internationally as a freelance soprano and also works as a voice coach.
Tina Mene
Cape Town-born Tina Mene trained at the University of Cape Town College of Music. She has performed extensively in productions including The Magic Flute, Dido and Aeneas, Porgy and Bess, Mandela Trilogy and African Macbeth. She received critical acclaim for the title role in Princess Magogo and Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana. Tina has toured widely across Europe and beyond and previously performed with the Cape Town Opera Voice of the Nation Ensemble.
Muhle Teresa Fulela
Muhle Teresa Fulela is a rising classical vocalist whose musical journey began in school and community choirs. She later studied at Nelson Mandela University where she performed with the NMU Le Strada Chorale. In 2025 she began formal vocal training with The Choral Master (Pty) Ltd and has since expanded her repertoire. She was named first runner-up at the OR Tambo Choral Festival and is part of the Betway Cares Voices of Her mentorship programme.
Luleka Mabaso
Luleka Mabaso, originally from New Brighton in Gqeberha, began her professional career with Opera Africa in 2007 in Aida. She has since appeared in productions including La Traviata, Cavalleria Rusticana and A Night at the Opera. In 2024 she performed with the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and in 2025 appeared at the National Arts Festival in the oratorio CREDO – The Statement to the Freedom Charter.
Sesona Bonke
An AfroSoul singer from Gqeberha, Sesona is known for her warm tone and emotive delivery. A Nelson Mandela University graduate, she continues to grow her presence within South Africa’s live music landscape.
Nombuso Gcabashe
A soprano and Durban University of Technology Drama Studies graduate, Nombuso performed internationally with Disney’s The Lion King in Hong Kong, Germany and Amsterdam. She is also a recording artist and television performer.
Nombuso Nompumelelo Mgidi
A singer, arranger and educator, Nompumelelo holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Free State and currently serves as a school choir conductor with notable competitive achievements.
Nonkululeko Micaela Kokela
A Daveyton-born vocalist who began singing at the age of eight. She studied jazz at the Music Academy of Gauteng in 2024 and performs regularly at church and corporate events.
Happy Ngcane Hadebe
A Midrand-based performing artist with formal theatre training and award-winning stage experience. A soprano with international performance exposure, she brings both dramatic and vocal strength to the ensemble.
Hlogi Sehowa
A multi-disciplinary artist: singer-songwriter, recording artist, dancer and actress. Known for her soulful authenticity, her work is rooted in African spirituality and contemporary expression.
Ziyanda Nomabhuca
Originally from Ntabankulu in the Eastern Cape, she is a devoted worship leader with a background in choral music and theological studies, currently serving at New Jerusalem Evangelic Church.
Kutlwano Nyandeni
A dynamic recording artist from Kagiso whose sound spans Afropop, R&B and Amapiano. She was selected as one of 12 artists in the Betway Care Foundation women’s development programme.
Why Tonight Matters
This is not just another show. It is a response to the times.
In a world filled with noise, division, and unrest, From the Cross to the Crown offers something rare: intentional stillness, reflection, and emotional release.
It reminds us that:
There is power in collective mourning
There is healing in music
There is beauty in voices that dare to feel deeply
And perhaps most importantly—it reminds us that we are not alone.
An Invitation
Tonight is an invitation.
An invitation to sit, to listen, to feel, and to be carried by voices that understand both pain and praise.
Come and experience From the Cross to the Crown at Joburg Theatre at 19h30.
Let the sopranos wail. Let the music speak. Let the journey begin.
As the curtains draw to a close, this production proudly acknowledges the vital support of the National Arts Council of South Africa through its PESP 6 funding programme—an initiative of the The Presidency of South Africa, implemented in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Beyond bringing this powerful work to life, the support has created more than 50 job opportunities across the creative and technical value chain—far exceeding initial expectations. It is a reminder that when investment meets vision, the arts do not only inspire, they employ, uplift, and sustain a nation’s creative spirit.
Tickets are available via the Joburg Theatre Box Office and Webtickets. Early booking is advised.
Media Enquiries:
Sbu Ketwa
Email: sbuketwa@gabisomedia.co.za
Mobile: 066 445 5210
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