Trio Ready to Tickle the Ivories at Esteemed Music Competition

The Department of Performing Arts at TUT has nurtured three talented students who are passionate about jazz. Jazz is a genre that is ever-evolving and captivating, and requires exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication. In July this year, the duo qualified for the UNISA 7th National Piano Competition (Jazz category) based on their efforts in this regard.

The three young jazz musicians, Sivuyile Jengu (28), Lungile Luswazi (23) and alum Angelique Mulder (26) performed under the expert guidance and tutelage of Dr Roland Moses.

Trio Ready to Tickle the Ivories at Esteemed Music Competition

This year’s Classical jury includes four other judges, including triple Grammy-nominated South African pianist Petronel Malan and Dr Laetitia Orlandi, Assistant Dean, Faculty of Arts and Design. The two doctors are both accomplished musicians who perform regularly.

As one of South Africa’s most prestigious jazz competitions, the UNISA National Piano Competition attracts aspiring musicians from around the globe. This competition attracts musicians from across the country, giving them a chance to showcase their abilities and compete on a national stage. Performance, improvisational skills, musicality, and technical prowess are the criteria used to judge the participants in the competition.

Winning Prize

A prize money of R85 000 will be awarded to the first prize winners in both the Classical Piano and Jazz Piano categories, and a prize money of R55 000 will be awarded to the runners-up. By participating in the UNISA International Piano Competition in 2024, they will automatically qualify for the 16th edition.

Over the years, Dr Moses has served as a role model for aspiring jazz musicians and students. His expertise as accompanist and jury member at UNISA National Piano Competitions has greatly influenced countless students’ musical journeys. The TUT students have been prepared for this incredible opportunity thanks to his profound understanding of the genre and passion for nurturing young talent. As well as technical proficiency, ensemble playing, improvisation, stage presence, and repertoire selection, he guided them through a variety of aspects of jazz performance.

“It is a testament to the power of mentorship, dedication and the pursuit of musical excellence that TUT students qualified for UNISA Piano Competition. In addition to representing TUT, these young musicians represent the spirit of South African jazz as they prepare to take the stage. Dr Moses says they are poised to leave an indelible mark on the jazz scene with their talent and passion, inspiring future generations of jazz musicians.

Previous TUT winners of the competition are

6th UNISA Piano Competition, 2019
Ntando Ngcapu (2nd place) and Teboho Kobedi (semi-finalist)

6th UNISA International Voice Competition, 2018
Tshepo Tshabalala (2nd place)

Second UNISA National Voice Competition, 2017
Tshepo Tshabalala (1st place)
Daniella Hart (2nd place)