A dream, an opportunity and then a reality – standing on stage in Carnegie Hall in the United States. Meet soprano Khayakazi Madlala.

Currently completing her singing studies at the North West University under the supervision of Professor Conroy Cupido at the School of Music, Khayakazi shares her experience of singing on stage at Carnegie Hall in the United States with Yolanda Maartens in the Art Beat.

Khayakazi Madlala is a final year BA Music voice student at the NWU School of Music and was one of only 4 singers selected to participate in the 2024 Song Studio programme presented at Carnegie Hall in New York annually, towards the end of January. The programme and masterclasses are hosted by the award-winning soprano, Renée Fleming.

Khayakazi is a soprano hailing from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. She started singing at a tender age under the guidance of her brother Sindani Gecelo. Participating in school choir competitions groomed her singing. In 2012 she was part of an ensemble from Mariazell High School that won the SASCE competition. Her talent was further nurtured by her then choir conductor, Mr Xolani "Fraser" Gqasana, the Voices of the Nation conductor.