An opera singer from Mdantsane who has travelled the world performing in shows is back in town and has joined Legends School of Contemporary Music.
Steve Mavuka, 28 – also known as the Eastern Cape Tenor – recently returned to his hometown after many successful international tours.
His recent tours were with the Cape Town-based Ancora Male Vocal Group. The group sings classical crossover music.
Mavuka is the new vocal mentor at Legends in Berea. He started singing at the age of 10.
In high school he participated in the Tirisano Choral Schools Competition, in which he won a number of awards.
He also won prizes in competitions run by the provincial arts and culture department, as well as in the Post Office Music Competition. Mavuka also won a scholarship to study at the University of Cape Town in 2006.
He obtained his performer’s diploma in opera in 2010 and did his honours soon after.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved opera music.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for music,” Mavuka said.
He has been to Europe, including Finland and Sweden, and to Mauritius and Madagascar.
“This year I decided to come back home. I’ve missed out on some family time,” said Mavuka, who started his vocal mentor job last week.
“I was approached by Richard Lento from Legends and I decided, ‘What better way to give back than to join this music school?’.
“I am really excited to be part of a team that is creating legends.”
Mavuka is also hoping to work with township schools.
“I think township schools also need our attention. There’s not a lot of support them. They do not have music as a subject and I feel we need to do something about that,” he said.
He wants to conduct music workshops in townships.
“The talent is there but it needs to be nurtured,” he said.
Legends principal Gary Ndlovu said Mavuka is a blessing to them and the whole of East London.
“He is not just an educated musician, he is a brilliant performer as well,” Ndlovu said.
“I believe he will inspire a lot of people. Steve is a selfless guy.
“He really loves what he does and has a passion to share music with others.
“We are honoured to have him join our school.” — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Much-travelled tenor back home
Steve Mavuka, 28 – also known as the Eastern Cape Tenor – recently returned to his hometown after many successful international tours.
His recent tours were with the Cape Town-based Ancora Male Vocal Group. The group sings classical crossover music.
Mavuka is the new vocal mentor at Legends in Berea. He started singing at the age of 10.
In high school he participated in the Tirisano Choral Schools Competition, in which he won a number of awards.
He also won prizes in competitions run by the provincial arts and culture department, as well as in the Post Office Music Competition. Mavuka also won a scholarship to study at the University of Cape Town in 2006.
He obtained his performer’s diploma in opera in 2010 and did his honours soon after.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved opera music.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for music,” Mavuka said.
He has been to Europe, including Finland and Sweden, and to Mauritius and Madagascar.
“This year I decided to come back home. I’ve missed out on some family time,” said Mavuka, who started his vocal mentor job last week.
“I was approached by Richard Lento from Legends and I decided, ‘What better way to give back than to join this music school?’.
“I am really excited to be part of a team that is creating legends.”
Mavuka is also hoping to work with township schools.
“I think township schools also need our attention. There’s not a lot of support them. They do not have music as a subject and I feel we need to do something about that,” he said.
He wants to conduct music workshops in townships.
“The talent is there but it needs to be nurtured,” he said.
Legends principal Gary Ndlovu said Mavuka is a blessing to them and the whole of East London.
“He is not just an educated musician, he is a brilliant performer as well,” Ndlovu said.
“I believe he will inspire a lot of people. Steve is a selfless guy.
“He really loves what he does and has a passion to share music with others.
“We are honoured to have him join our school.” — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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