Young opera star Gugu wows world with her talent
East London’s nine-year-old opera prodigy, who stunned social media audiences with her great voice and heartfelt performance, is now performing on big stages around the world.
Gugulethu Ndzendze caused a huge buzz with her stunning performance, captured in a Facebook video, at a Sunday service last year.
The Voorpos Primary School pupil’s ability to perform opera so well at such a young age left audiences surprised and thirsty for more.
Since Gugu’s video went viral the talented youngster has performed at many events in the country and beyond.
Her dad, Bongani Ndzendze, said her talent had been recognised by people from all over the world, and he had received numerous invitations for her to perform.
“We’ve been all over the world, and we’ve performed on Russia’s 50th Billionaire in Tanzania.”
She has now been signed by an entertainment company, which is in charge of all her engagements in and outside SA.
“She has grown and has had performances in many places, one of them is the Johannesburg Theatre [after she was] invited by M-Net [to appear] in a music video,” he said.
Ndzendze said the family was overjoyed by her success. “We are ecstatic, Gugu’s gift has changed not just her life, but ours as a family.
“Since her video’s recognition, she has received so much attention from media houses and individuals who have been expressing unshakeable support,” he said.
Juggling school and pursuing her gift is no easy task, but the family has faith in Gugu’s ability to do both.
“We had just returned from Tanzania to Nairobi, from the Sing Arête, and it was a wonderful time for Gugu and our family, and of course we see God’s greatness and the favour he has [bestowed] upon Gugu and us,” he said.
Multiple media outlets, Ndzendze said, had expressed interest in learning more about her talent and how it was nurtured on a daily basis.
“We recently hosted SABC3; they are now working on ... a documentary, and we just returned from the Soweto Theatre, where she was invited to play live.”
Gugu said she was happy and excited about her journey and was grateful to her parents for allowing her to pursue her passion.
“I have so many feelings and can’t express how I’m feeling. “I’ve been given so many opportunities all around the world,” Gugu said. “At first, I was nervous, but I’m growing used to being on stage.
“I’m used to travelling, especially flying across the province.” “Through my trips, I’ve met a lot of role models and I’m sure I’ll meet a lot more,” she said.
“I have so many emotions and cannot explain how I am feeling; I have been granted so many opportunities around the world.”DispatchLIVE