BONGIWE MADLALA, soprano
Born and bred in Pietermaritzburg, Bongi’s father and choir mistress introduced her to the idea of singing opera.
Her vocal training started by singing as chorister from late 2000 to 2002. Bongiwe is at present training with Eric Muller from the Technikon Pretoria. She sang the role of Pamina in The Magic Flute as well as Hanna in The Merry Widow. As a chorister, she has sung with the Independent Opera Chorus in the State Theatre, with Pro Musica in Roodepoort as well as in the first opera ever performed in Mozambique. In 2001 Bongiwe was one of four singers elected to sing at the Global Summit Women of the World, which was held in Hong Kong. She is currently with The Black Tie Ensemble and has sung at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees and other events in George and Pietersburg.
Bongi strives towards developing vocally and to prepare herself for the prospects the opera world may offer. Her love for opera and singing is her driving force and she loves to have fun while learning. She describes her role in the Ensemble as an opening because she was a potential voice, lucky enough to be recognized.
