Singing his way to royal reception
SOUTH African opera singer Simphiwe Simon Shibambu has achieved what many Britons long for — a personal audience with Queen Elizabeth.
Next on the Alexandra-born singer’s list of achievements will be sharing the stage with Placido Domingo — of Three Tenors fame — at one of Europe’s finest opera festivals in July.
Shibambu, 28, whose family initially shunned him because of his musical aspirations, is still on a high from his recent solo performance at London’s Westminster Abbey as part of the Commonwealth celebrations and the queen’s 90th birthday festivities.
Shibambu’s rendition of the Xhosa traditional song Qongqothwane reverberated through the Abbey, prompting the queen to later remark: “You’re a very short man with a very big voice.”
Shibambu said this week: “Meeting the queen was very exciting. A lot of British people told me they haven’t met or seen her in real life, so I felt very honoured to meet her.”
The bass-baritone has been living in London for two years, completing his master’s degree in vocal performance at the Royal College of Music.
His performance for the queen was not Shibambu’s first appearance before royalty and dignitaries. He has also performed for Prince Charles and China’s first lady, Peng Liyuan, who is a Chinese contemporary folk singer.
These performances paved the way for the Abbey appearance, which also featured English singer Ellie Goulding.
Shibambu’s musical journey began at Carter Primary in Alexandra, Johannesburg , in the boys’ choir.
“Then I was introduced to opera at Alexandra High by a school teacher, Pholo Sepeng.
“My journey from that point was not easy because initially I received no family support whatsoever, not even when I decided, after matric, to carry on with my singing.”
Shibambu persevered, studying opera at Tshwane University of Technology under Hans van Heerden.
It was only then that his mother realised where his passion lay.
After graduating from TUT, Shibambu applied for his master’s degree at the Royal College of Music in 2013.
His mother took a loan from her employer for Shibambu to fly to London for an interview with the college.
“My mother took a risk. But I came home with great news — I was awarded a full scholarship.”
After his master’s, Shibambu started on a young artist programme at the Royal Opera House for two years.
Shibambu has been cast to sing with Domingo and Anna Netrebko at the Young Singers Project at the Salzburg Festival 2016 in Austria.
He is hopeful that his story of success will inspire young South Africans who dream of a career in music.
“I want to motivate them by showing them that even against all the odds you can succeed once you commit yourself,” said Shibambu.