BY NELIWE NGUBANE (INTERN)
MATSAPHA – His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Choir has once again stamped its authority on Eswatini’s choral music landscape after securing a historic seventh Standard Bank Choral Festival title during a thrilling national finals showdown held at Esangweni Hall, Esibayeni Lodge.
The celebrated ensemble walked away with E25 000 after emerging victorious in the Large Category with an outstanding average score of 83.67 points, further cementing its dominance as one of the country’s most successful choirs.
Under the direction of conductor Melisizwe Zwane, HMCS also claimed top honours in the Western Piece category with 85.67 points, delivering polished harmonies, vocal precision and unmatched stage discipline that captivated both adjudicators and audience members alike.
Manzini Choir secured second place overall in the Large Category with an average of 82.50 points and received E22 000, while Mbabane Methodist Choir finished third with 75.17 points, earning E20 000.
In the Standard Category, Sweet Sounds emerged victorious with an average of 78.17 points and pocketed E18 000. Pure Voices followed closely in second place with 78 points and received E16 000, while Emmanuel Methodist Church Choir claimed third place with 76 points and took home E14 000.
The prestigious competition featured six choirs competing in the Standard Category and five in the Large Category, with choirs showcasing exceptional musicality through Western pieces, African pieces and Choice Pieces sponsored by Imisebe Publishing.
The atmosphere inside the auditorium remained electric throughout the night as supporters erupted into song, cheers and dance after every performance. Choirs also impressed visually, appearing in elegant formal attire that complemented their rich vocal displays.
Among the choirs competing in the Large Category were the Royal Eswatini Police Services Choir and Dolce Harmony Chorus, while the Standard Category featured groups such as Eswatini Mighty Voices, Asihlabelele Choral Society and newcomers Gebeni Choristers.
Adding another layer of musical brilliance was the Mbabane Chamber Orchestra, whose accompaniment during Western pieces elevated performances and drew admiration from the audience.
Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima praised the competition for promoting excellence, unity and cultural preservation through music.
“Today we celebrate not only competition, but commitment,” said Nzima, while commending sponsors for investing in local talent and cultural growth.
The Minister highlighted Standard Bank’s E355 000 sponsorship contribution, alongside Imisebe Publishing’s E55 000 support and Liberty with Stanlib’s E50 000 contribution, describing the sponsorships as investments towards preserving Eswatini’s cultural heritage.
Nzima further applauded choirs for their discipline and sacrifice, adding that choral music continued to prove Eswatini as the “Home of Champions.” He also revealed that the 2027 edition of the competition would mark 30 years of the festival’s existence.
Standard Bank Eswatini Head of Business and Commercial Banking Mlamuli Mbukeni Hlatshwayo expressed pride in the bank’s 29-year partnership with the Eswatini National Choral Association.
“Tonight’s performances have been truly beautiful and inspiring to witness,” he said, while welcoming Imisebe Publishing as a sponsor for the Choice Piece category.
Meanwhile, conductor Melisizwe Zwane attributed HMCS Choir’s continued success to consistency, discipline and adaptability.
Speaking after the victory, Zwane revealed that stability within the choir had played a major role in its dominance.
“I joined the choir and found about 90 per cent of the choristers already there. That retention and consistency is one of the biggest reasons for our success,” he said.
Zwane explained that the choir rehearsed consistently and maintained strict discipline, factors he believes translated directly into their performances.
The choir consists of 82 choristers, with 70 performers participating during the competition in line with competition regulations. According to Zwane, the alto and soprano sections each have 22 members, while tenor and bass sections each consist of 19 singers.
He added that preparations for competitions usually begin in February, despite occasional interruptions caused by national and cultural events such as the Maganu Festival and His Majesty the King’s Birthday celebrations.
Zwane also credited former conductor and composer Dominic Gamedze for introducing him to HMCS in 2013, an opportunity he said changed his career journey.
The event was adjudicated by Itumeleng Pooe, Zoliswa Fikelephi and Khulekani Magongo, with Tamsanqa Ncokwana serving as Chief Adjudicator and Quality Assurer.
Programme directing duties were handled by MCs Tjovitjo Khumalo and Welile Nsibande, who kept the audience entertained and engaged throughout the competition.
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