On 20 January 2026, the 7th Unisa International Voice Competition was officially opened as one of the university’s flagship music events, which featured enchanting performances by internationally acclaimed musicians Jasmine Chen (jazz vocals) and Musa Ngqungwana (bass-baritone), offering audiences an inspiring and diverse vocal showcase, and a glimpse of what to anticipate in the competition. Spearheaded by the Unisa Music Foundation, the competition will end on 31 January 2026, and attracts exceptional vocal talent from across the globe, reaffirming the university’s prestige in music excellence and education.  

Prof Thomas Pooley (last on right) with the jazz jury

Watch a recording of the competition's official opening

In his welcome address, Prof Moloko Sepota, Unisa’s Registrar, stated that this premier international music competition on the African continent celebrates not only technical excellence and artistic mastery, but also the universal power of the human voice that transcends borders, cultures and languages, and speaks directly to shared humanity.

Referring to the competition as a transformative legacy, Sepota noted: "This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate a decade of jazz and classical music presented side by side." He added: "Soon, we will also launch our African music initiatives, ensuring that jazz, classical and African music stand together, equally recognised and distinguished on the global stage."

Sepota indicated that as a mega-university, Unisa plays a unique transformative role in advancing music education and performance across multiple continents. The competitors and distinguished international jury hail from continents such as North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Prof Puleng LenkaBula

Delivering the opening address, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), described the institution as an inventive university that uses the best of Africa’s imagination as a resource in the global arena to make education an important tool for empowering individuals and changing societies. She also lauded Unisa’s Chancellor, His Excellency Dr Thabo Mbeki, for his support in the competition.

The VC mentioned that Unisa has celebrated advanced excellence in music since 1894, having been established in 1873. She further explained that this has been achieved through various measures, such as competitions, examinations, qualifications and engaged scholarships that empower communities and individuals that have restricted access thereof.

LenkaBula said: "The Unisa International Voice Competition is the only competition on the African continent that is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions." Therefore, the VC affirmed that the university is proud to host this exclusive and important competition. Reflecting on the history of Unisa’s music competitions and the quality standard they have set for succeeding competitions, she asserted that Unisa has built on the strong legacy and talent to establish itself as a global icon of music competitions, launching the careers of renowned musicians.

Dr Samson Diamond (centre) with the classical jury

Moreover, LenkaBula noted with appreciation that South African musical talent continues to be showcased at prestigious events, such as the Group of Twenty (G20) Summit, which South Africa hosted in 2025. Recognising the quality jury and exceptional musicians, the VC assured the candidates that by virtue of them participating in this august competition, they had already won. She remarked: "The competition also takes seriously its mandate to uphold the values of integrity and professionalism that are crucial in ensuring the best possible experience for all competitors and the jury."

Prof Thomas Pooley, acting Director of the Unisa Music Directorate, explained the competition’s requirements that the candidates had to adhere to, highlighting the fair and rigorous selection process. He said that part of the process includes monitoring the relationship between the jury and candidates to prohibit direct contact between them during the competition.

In closing, Dr Samson Diamond, Deputy Director of the Unisa Music Foundation, acknowledged LenkaBula’s leadership and commitment to supporting the arts at Unisa. He also appreciated all stakeholders that are keen to ensure the success of the competition. "The official opening’s programme has set a reflective and aspirational tone for the competition, one that honours tradition, embraces creativity and foregrounds excellence in vocal artistry," Diamond concluded.

Click here for more information about Unisa’s music competitions.

Read also: The 7th Unisa International Voice Competition promises an electrifying music experience

* By Nancy Legodi, acting Senior Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

** Photography by Shooheima Champion, Unisa Multimedia Centre