Sisikelelwe Mngenela, a second-year student pursuing a BA degree in music and society at the North-West University (NWU), has recently been granted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the prestigious BelCantoBootCamp (BCBC).

The BCBC is a programme designed to bring together singers and teach them the fundamentals of the bel canto vocal style in education and performance. The programme offers personalised instruction from BCBC mentors and masterclasses with international artists.

This exclusive initiative, scheduled to take place in East Hampton, New York during July and August 2023, promises to enhance Sisikelelwe's abilities and pave the way for a successful operatic career, and will propel her dedication and passion for music to new heights.

Sisikelelwe, a gifted and aspiring opera singer, has been selected from a pool of exceptional candidates. She will embark on a transformative musical journey under the guidance of Lisette Oropesa, a renowned opera singer.

"I was ecstatic and astonished at the same time because I never expected this to happen. Although I had hoped and wished for this opportunity, I never imagined it would become a reality so quickly,” she says.

Sisikelelwe explains that, when she sings, her shyness frequently overshadows the musical role she is intended to portray.

She adds that her long-term goals as a musician will help her get her music career off the ground and assist her with the bel canto technique when she begins to sing larger roles in operas.

Sisikelelwe Mngenela will soon be heading off to the BelCantoBootCamp in New York.