MEX - On the Couch - #35 - In conversation with Sibongile Mngoma

Sibongile Mngoma made a name for herself as one of the few cross-over artists in South Africa in recent years. She also heads up Iam4thearts as an arts activist. Sibongile quickly moved from opera to classical to jazz and gospel, becoming a prevalent feature in the corporate market. She’s won two significant awards, too – The Standard Bank Young Artist Award and the FNB Vita Award for Best Opera Female Lead. Soweto born, Sibongile Mngoma is described as a ‘natural diva’. Schooled in KwaZulu, Natal, she completed a BA degree at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and completed her Honours in Education Drama. She also studied opera at the UCT College of Music and the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Italy, awarded top honours. Sibongile was one of the finalists in the Rolex Foundation Mentor/Protege programme for 2004/2005, along with Jessey Norman. Sibongile has performed in all the major opera houses in South Africa with the most prominent orchestras, and today she’s here to commit to learning. Enjoy.