ODYSSEY OF AN AFRICAN OPERA SINGER

By MUSA NGQUNGWANA Penguin Random House People paying money to see a black man in wigs and elaborate costumes singing? In countries around the world? He never thought it would be possible – until he discovered first hand that it is.

Ngqungwana’s story is one that almost everyone growing up in a township is familiar with – singleparent family, raised on his grandmother’s words of wisdom and his mom’s fierce teachings. A constant state of hunger while knowing that complaining won’t get food on the table.

But this is a story of hope about a young man’s rise from the depths of poverty in Zwide, Port Elizabeth, to international stages.

Ngqungwana not only managed to extricate himself from his impoverished past but found his way to the great opera houses of the world, gaining success to an affluent art form he didn’t even know existed when he was a child.

His life and career are proof that any human can overcome the devastating effects of discrimination and poverty.

Odyssey of an African Opera Singer chronicles Ngqungwana’s journey of discovery, pain and conquering the global stage.