Humble beginnings, an operatic career.
Formed in 1999 at Fezeka High School and self-taught from the start, the quartet made opera its own — and never looked back.
From a school talent search to South Africa's stages
These self-taught vocalists — Mpendulo Yawa, Khaya Silevu, Xolani November and Loyiso Dlova — were selected from scores of hopeful entries at Fezeka High School in Gugulethu to enter a music competition called the Prompt Voice Search. They won first place in the best group category and have never looked back, going on to win a string of local competitions on their way to becoming, as some have called them, "South Africa's Il Divo", "Pavarotti's Children" and "the Diamond of the Township".
While their peers grew up on Kwaito, Hip Hop and Rap, the Tenors pursued an inherent love of opera — a genre that had never traditionally belonged to the township. By folding in contemporary and ethnic elements, they made the form their own, and have spent more than two decades capturing audiences across South Africa and beyond with it.
A household name since 2011
Afro-operatic pop sensations The Gugulethu Tenors became a household name in South Africa with the release of their self-titled debut album in 2011. They've performed at some of the country's leading events and festivals, shared stages with local and international headline acts, and featured extensively across local and international media, all while their fan base has continued to grow and diversify.
Their repertoire ranges from operatic favourites — O Sole Mio, Nessun Dorma, Nella Fantasia — to popular songs such as The Prayer, Miriam Makeba's Pata Pata and Gé Korsten's Liefling, alongside original compositions like O Afrika! and Nyamezela that reliably bring audiences to their feet.
Highlights along the way
2010 FIFA World Cup
Represented South Africa during the tournament and captivated thousands at Cape Town's Fan Fest with their harmonies.
Standing ovations, nationwide
Earned standing ovations at festivals including Aardklop Arts Festival, Cultivaria and Klein Karoo Klassique.
Audiences of note
Have performed to politicians, dignitaries and superstars, including Oprah Winfrey, Chris Rock and Mariah Carey.
In Performance
The Gugulethu Tenors on screen
Word from the room
"An unforgettable evening at Mandela Rhodes Place — they won over new fans and delighted the ones who already knew them."
Richard Boxford, LIFE Residential"Even the chess players who normally sit in silence were won over by the performance."
Karen Bailey, Claremont Improvement District Company"Their set was the highlight of the evening at our gala dinner for the World Chefs Tour Against Hunger."
James Murdoch, General Manager, Southern Sun Cape Sun"An international audience was up and dancing to the faster numbers by the end of the weekend."
Sally Robinson, Show Works