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PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA

Young Vocalists shine at 2026 UNISA Competition in South Africa

Competitions

The 7th Unisa Intl. Voice Competition brought together rising classical and jazz vocalists, world-renowned jurors and top local ensembles in Pretoria for an inspiring two-week celebration of performance, learning and South African musical excellence.

The 2026 Unisa International Voice Competition, held this past January in Pretoria, South Africa, reaffirmed its status as one of the world’s leading vocal contests and the only African member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions. Presented by the Unisa Music Foundation, the event continued a tradition dating back to 1982, when Unisa first launched its flagship international competition. Now in its 7th edition for voice, the 2026 competition once again highlighted Unisa’s dual focus on artistic excellence and education, while also underscoring South Africa’s growing presence on the global music stage.

The 2026 edition featured two distinct categories: Classical Voice and Jazz Voice, a unique format that has become a hallmark of the Unisa competition. The structure comprised an online qualifying round (a 20-minute recital), followed by three live recital rounds with piano, culminating in final rounds accompanied by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra under Gérard Korsten in the classical category, and a jazz ensemble in the jazz category. The jazz finalists performed with pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, bassist Martin Zenker and drummer Kevin Gibson. Substantial prizes were on offer, including USD 15,000 for each first prize, USD 8,000 for second, and USD 5,000 for third, along with additional special awards and career-enhancing opportunities such as mentorship and professional engagements.

Maria del Mar Vilaseca, first prize winner in the jazz category

Molly Dzangare, first prize winner in the classical category

In the Jazz category, first prize went to Maria del Mar Vilaseca (27), based in New York, with second prize awarded to Texas-based South African alumna Daniella Hart Rossouw and third prize to Pretoria’s own Rorisang Sechele (25). The Classical category was dominated by South African singers: first prize was won by Cape Town–based soprano Molly Dzangare, with second prize going to fellow Capetonian Khayakazi Madlala and third prize to Texas-based Lwazi Dlamini (28). These outcomes underscored both the strong international draw of the competition and the remarkable standard of South African vocal training.

Classical category prize winners; Molly Dzangare (First Prize), Lwazi Dlamini (Third Prize), and Khayakazi Madlala (Second Prize)

The international juries reflected a broad spectrum of artistic and pedagogical expertise. The Jazz jury included Jasmine Chen, Song Yi Jeon, Ola Onabulé, Natasha Patampongs, Melanie Scholtz, Thomas Pooley and Greg Jasperse. The Classical jury panel comprised Sunhae Im, Eva Mei, Musa Ngqungwana, Alberto Triola, Maria Visca, Samson Diamond and Margaret Schindler. Their combined perspectives as performers, educators, artistic directors and industry leaders ensured rigorous, artistically informed adjudication.

In bringing together outstanding young vocalists, renowned jurors and leading South African ensembles, the 2026 Unisa Competition in Pretoria not only identified future stars, but also strengthened global artistic networks and affirmed Pretoria’s role as an outstanding international centre for vocal excellence.

Jazz category prize winners; Daniella Hart Rossouw (Second Prize), Rorisang Sechele (Third Prize), and Maria del Mar Vilaseca (First Prize)

 

Awards
Jazz category
First Prize: Maria del Mar Vilaseca (27), New York
Second Prize: Daniella Rossouw, Texas
Third Prize: Rorisang Sechele (25), Pretoria

Classical category
First Prize: Molly Dzangare, Cape Town
Second Prize: Khayakazi Madlala, Cape Town
Third Prize: Lwazi Dlamini (28), Texas

 

Jury
Jazz category
Jasmine Chen, Song Yi Jeon, Ola Onabulé, Natasha Patampongs, Melanie Scholtz, Thomas Pooley, Greg Jasperse

Classical category
Sunhae Im, Eva Mei, Musa Ngqungwana, Alberto Triola, Maria Visca, Samson Diamond, Margaret Schindler

 

Artists
Jazz category
Nduduzo Makhathini (Piano), Martin Zenker (Bass), Kevin Gibson (Drums)

Classical category
Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra/ Gérard Korsten (Conductor) 

 

©WFIMC 2026/FR