BY: TANA MALINGA
Imibungazo Personality Management Production, in partnership with Joburg Theatre, will present the third instalment of 10 South African Sopranos on 28 and 29 March 2026 at the Mandela Theatre.
Produced by acclaimed opera singer and arts entrepreneur Sibongile Mngoma, the production celebrates the richness and diversity of South African soprano voices through a powerful sacred performance format.
The journey of 10 South African Sopranos began in 2013 at Carnival City, followed by a successful second staging at The Playhouse Company in 2023, where it played to a sold-out audience. The 2026 staging marks another milestone in a production that continues to grow in artistic ambition and spiritual depth.
Presented under the theme From the Cross to the Crown, this year’s staging is crafted as a sacred Easter offering. It blends classical vocal expression, African sacred idioms, choral power and dramatic narration into one moving theatrical experience. At its core, the production is described as a profound women’s cry for the nation, a spiritual and emotional outpouring inviting reflection, repentance and hope.
Strong female leadership shapes the production. Mapula Sethlako directs the show, guiding its dramatic and visual storytelling, while Unathi Malunga conducts a 20-piece orchestra, bringing musical precision and interpretative depth to the sacred repertoire.
The soprano ensemble will be joined by a chorus of 10 gospel singers, expanding the musical landscape into moments of lament, proclamation and triumph. Adding further depth is blind narrator Lelethu Mahambehlala, whose participation marks an important step in representing artists with disabilities in large-scale concert productions.
Speaking about the production, Mngoma said the performance is more than a concert. She described it as a spiritual statement in which women intercede for the nation through music, with a strong focus on excellence, representation and presenting sacred music in a way that speaks to contemporary society.
The production aligns with Joburg Theatre’s commitment to presenting world-class productions while nurturing local talent. Artistic Director James Ngcobo said the theatre is proud to host a performance that combines artistic excellence with deep social and spiritual meaning, promising audiences a moving and memorable experience.
The production is supported by the National Arts Council of South Africa, enabling the continued development and presentation of high-calibre South African work.
Tickets are available at the Joburg Theatre Box Office and online via Webtickets.
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