South African opera star makes debut solo in London concert

Award-winning opera singer and Tshwane Univeristy of Technology graduate, Simphiwe Simon Shibambu, will sing solo – for the first time since moving to the United Kingdom – at a concert in London on April 25.

Together with Zabilon Mmusi and Themba Maudecae Maseko this powerful bass forms South African opera trio Trinity. When the group are not performing individually overseas, they sing at corporate events in South Africa.

In February this year, Mr Shibambu won first prize at the Clonter Opera Competition, after winning the inaugural Amazwi Omzansi Africa Singing Competition in Durban the previous year. He says he started singing his primary school boys’ choir and later went to Tshwane University with the intention of focusing on jazz. He was, however, diverted to the opera school after his jazz audition.

The 28-year-old bass is studying for his masters degree at the Royal College of Music. He was awarded a scholarship by the institution in 2013. He expects to graduate this year. Shibambu’s performance takes place on Saturday, April 25 at St Peter’s Church in Notting Hill.

WATCH: Trinity interview and performance during a visit to Business Day TV’s studios last December.