With the echoes of her victory still ringing, Unathi Ndonga is already looking beyond the immediate triumph and towards a future filled with even greater musical ambitions. Her win at the SASCE National Choral Awards is not an end, but a significant springboard for her burgeoning career.

Amidst a fantastic atmosphere, Unathi Ndonga, a rising star from the Free State, truly shone, clinching first position in the Mezzo-Soprano/Alto Solo category.

Her affection for music blossomed over time

Unathi’s journey to national acclaim is a testament to growing passion and dedication.  “My love for choral music actually started in Grade 8, ” said Unathi, revealing that her initial interest wasn’t instant. However, coming from a family with a strong singing background, it seems music was always in her blood, and her affection for it blossomed over time.

Her path to the national stage was paved with consistent effort and remarkable improvement. At the cluster level, Unathi secured 85 points in her very first competition. The district level proved to be a tougher challenge, where she scored 69.7 points. This experience, however, served as a powerful motivator.

“It was hectic there,” she recalled, adding that the lower score fuelled her determination to perform exceptionally well at the next stage.

At the provincial level competition, Unathi delivered a standout performance, achieving the highest score across all categories. This triumph propelled her to the national awards, where the pressure mounted. 

“I felt the pressure because I was now going to represent the Free State nationally,” she admitted. Despite the immense weight of expectation, Unathi’s talent and hard work culminated in a well-deserved victory, bringing national recognition back to her home province.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane cg