Gugulethu Tenors

The Gugulethu Tenors, Afro-operatic pop sensations and South Africa’s own “Il Divo”, “Pavarotti’s Children” and “Diamond of the Township”, have become a household name since the release of their self-titled debut album in 2011. They have captivated thousands at Cape Town’s FanFests, wowed corporate audiences, performed to politicians and dignitaries, including Oprah Winfrey and Mariah Carey, and represented South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The journey to success for these four self-taught vocalists – Mpendulo Yawa, Siyabulela Gqola, Xolani November and Loyiso Dlova – started more than 10 years ago as high school learners’ dreams of being on stage. After winning a music competition called the Prompt Voice Search, they never looked back and went on to win various other local competitions.

The Gugulethu Tenors have a repertoire that includes operatic favourites such as O Sole Mio and Nessun Dorma, popular songs like The Prayer and Miriam Makeba’s Pata Pata, and their own original compositions like O Afrika! and Nyamezela. By incorporating contemporary and subtle ethnic elements in their music, they have made the genre their own and enchanted the concert halls and corporate stages of South Africa.

The Gugulethu Tenors’ ambition goes beyond success as performers – they aim to be role models for South Africa’s youth and, through their singing, to showcase the richness and diversity of South Africa’s cultural heritage.