BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE– Another historic moment for Eswatini Choral music!
Local baritone and bass singer Thando Zwane, has made waves in the opera scene by winning the Best Performance in an Opera (Male) award at the 60th annual Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards held in Cape Town on March 23, 2025.
He performed the role of Acmet in the opera Dalinda. This victory marks a significant milestone as he is the first liSwati native to receive this prestigious award.
Zwane is no stranger to accolades. Last year, he captivated audiences and won the Audience Award at the 42nd International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition held in Latvia, competing against 800 participants. The main prizes of that competition were awarded to:
– 1st prize: Jungrae Noah Kim (South Korea)
– 2nd prize: Daniel O’Hearn (USA)
– 3rd prize: Matthew Cairns (Canada)
During the final gala concert, these talented singers were accompanied by the Jurmala Festival Orchestra.Alongside his achievements, Lwazi Dlamini, another liSwati participant, showcased the growing talent from Eswatini. The Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition, founded in 1982 by Hans Gabor, aims to provide a platform for young artists to launch their international opera careers.
Zwane, distinguished alumni of Tshwane University of Technology’s Vocal Arts Department and Cape Town Opera, has a notable track record. He made history in 2018 by becoming the first Swati to qualify for the finals of the competition, a feat he repeated in 2022. His perseverance led him to perform at Latvia’s National Opera House, further solidifying his presence in the opera world.
Thando Zwane’s remarkable journey and recent achievements not only highlight his individual talent but also represent a significant moment for Eswatini’s cultural presence in the international opera community. His success inspires many young artists from the region as he continues to break barriers and set new standards in the world of classical music.
