Mohalenyane Phakela
THE choral group of the Serumula Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) added another feather to their already illustrious cap by clinching the top prize at the Gauteng Choral Music Association (GACMA) competition on Sunday.
SPAA took the number one spot in the Gold category of the competition with 187 points ahead South African choirs, Gauteng Choristers and Sound of the Nation, which took second and third place with 174 and 159 points respectively.
GACMA is one of the biggest choral competitions in South Africa which is held on annual basis. Since its inception, the competition has been rarely won by choirs outside of South Africa’s Gauteng province. SPAA also made history by becoming the first choir from Lesotho to win the prestigious competition.
According to the group’s spokesperson, Sam Letima, it was not the first time they competed for the title, adding that they had worked hard to up their game after failing in previous attempts. He said it was thanks to perseverance and dedication that they finally managed to notch the plum accolade.
“We are very committed to our craft and we work very hard to excel in what we do,” said Letima.
“The competition was very tough as always, but we told ourselves that we would not lose again this time around but make Basotho proud.”
Since its formation eight years ago, the SPAA has represented the country in South Africa a number of times and won the National Choir Festival championship and African Melody Festival title in 2013. The choir is also the current Lengau Choral Music Association competition champions.
Members of the group come from different districts and church choirs. Despite their already sterling track record, Letima said SPAA would not rest on their laurels, but work even harder to become a world class choir.
“We may have won a number of competitions, but we still have the goal of being the best choir in the world to achieve,” he said.
“While we have managed to build a group that other choirs can draw inspiration from, we intent to leave behind a bigger legacy.”
Letima added that they were now eyeing the annual African Melody Festival, to be held later this year, which they have won twice before.
Other winners of the GACMA competition were:
Sliver Section: SAPS Gauteng (159), Unijoh (158), Medunsa (54).
Bronze Section: Soweto Artistic (145), Soweto Golden (138), Nellmaphius (138).
Male Section: Tsakane youth choir (137).
