BY NELIWE NGUBANE (INTERN)
MANZINI – The Eswatini Standard Bank Choral Competition officially launched its 2026 musical calendar in spectacular fashion on Sunday, awarding E24 000 to 12 outstanding soloists during the Solo Finals held at The George Hotel.
The event brought together choral music lovers, sponsors, adjudicators and rising vocal stars from across the country as contestants battled for top honours in the tenor, alto, soprano and bass categories. Backed by Standard Bank, STANLIB, Liberty and Imisebe Publishing, the competition turned into a celebration of talent, discipline and vocal brilliance.
In the tenor category, Sibusiso Dlamini emerged victorious after scoring 88 percent and pocketing E2 500. Mandisa Gumedze followed in second place with 85 percent and received E2 000, while Siphesihle Magongo secured third place with 77 percent and walked away with E1 500.
The alto division saw Nothile Mathonsi dominate with 89 percent to claim first prize. Mihlayonkhe Kunene followed closely with 86 percent, while Khanyisile Mabuza secured third place after scoring 82 percent.
Senteni Dlamini stole the spotlight in the soprano category after delivering an impressive 88 percent performance to secure first prize ahead of Lulu Shabalala and Precious Magagula.
Bass vocalist Prosper Makhanya delivered the highest score of the competition with a commanding 90 percent performance, earning him first place in the bass category. Ayanda Dlamini and Mhlonishwa Dlamini followed in second and third positions respectively.
Across all categories, winners received E2 500, second-place finalists earned E2 000 and third-place contestants received E1 500 each.
The venue remained electric throughout the day as supporters sang along, cheered loudly and celebrated performers before and after each performance.
Speaking during the event, Sihle Gumbi praised participants for their determination and growth.
“At the end of the day there can only be one winner, but every participant who stepped onto that stage is a champion,” he said.
Mongi Dlamini described music as a powerful unifying force that preserves culture and inspires communities, adding that the competition had become one of Eswatini’s biggest cultural celebrations.
The competition now shifts focus to the main showcase scheduled for May 24 at Esibayeni Lodge, where 11 choirs are expected to compete in both standard and large choir categories.
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