Unisa, through its Music Foundation, is proud to announce the semi-finalists in the 7th Unisa International Voice Competition, which is underway at Unisa’s Muckleneuk Campus and will end on 31 January 2026. The eagerly-awaited semi-finals for the Jazz Category took place on 27 January 2026, while the Classical Category will take place on 28 January 2026, with each session scheduled into two time slots (11:00 and 14:00).

Unisa has celebrated advanced excellence in music since 1894, with music competitions evolving over the years, adapting to the changing needs and expectations of the music industry. This particular competition has also expanded its global footprint to prepare young musicians to meet internationally applied standards. Accordingly, the competition’s legacy continues to grow with its commitment to advancing exceptional music education and performance globally.

Renowned international jurors comprising performers, pedagogues, artistic directors, composers and industry leaders have been identified to provide their expertise in the competition to ensure a fair, rigorous and artistically informed adjudication process. For Prof Thomas Pooley, acting Director of the Unisa Music Directorate, this process includes the prohibition of any direct contact between the jury and candidates.

As the event draws closer, the semi-finals serve as an important milestone in the competition, demonstrating not only the candidates’ resilience and artistic growth, but also their unwavering dedication to their work.

At the competition’s opening ceremony, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, reasserted that it is one of the university’s flagship music events, and it upholds quality standards to set a precedent for succeeding competitions. "Unisa has built on a strong legacy and talent to establish itself as a global icon of music competitions, launching the careers of renowned musicians," she said.

Following a showcase of remarkable and diverse talent at one of Africa’s leading international music competitions, the selected semi-finalists will advance to the next phase. For the Classical Category, the semi-finalists are Themba Mdlalose, Molly Dzangare, Lwazi Dlamini, Marieke de Koker, Khayakazi Madlala and Yolisa Ngwexana. And, for the Jazz Category, the semi-finalists are Anathi Mobo, Maria del Mar Vilaseca, Giuliette Price, Rorisang Sechele, Daniella Rossouw and Lauren Hendricks.

The stage shared by candidates is more than a contest for cash prizes, but it is also a platform where they can get international recognition and exposure to global industry professionals.

The jazz final round will take place on 30 January 2026, followed by the classical final round on 31 January 2026. The audiences will enjoy mind-blowing performances full of artistic excellence by candidates.

For ongoing updates, performance highlights, and announcements, follow the Unisa Music Foundation’s Facebook and X pages.

To get a ticket for the Jazz Category finals, click here.

To get a ticket for the Classical Category finals, click here. 

* By Moleboheng Mpafa, Communications Intern, Department of Institutional Advancement