Pretoria vocalist Matthew Swemmer (16) scoops multiple awards as vocal coach hails ‘rare talent’
Under the guidance of classical soprano Michelle Veenemans, a rising Pretoria singer is turning heads with his remarkable stage presence and mature voice.
A young, up-and-coming vocalist is starting to make a name for himself with his distinctive clear, smooth voice.
Matthew Swemmer (16) recently won several formal awards for his singing talent, including four National Eisteddfod Diplomas and one Gold Certificate, performing a range of songs from the Golden Oldies’ Moon River to rock ’n’ roll’s Blue Suede Shoes.
Local stage performances
The young vocalist is an avid performer, having sung Christmas-themed songs at Cafe Barcelona in December 2025, performed renditions of Elvis tunes at Pierneef Theatre, and appeared on Biker Heart Radio.
Like all great singers and artists, Swemmer does not rely solely on his gifts; he also relies on support from his vocal coach, Michelle Veenemans. Veenemans is a classical opera singer with decades of performing experience who has released albums and performed for audiences across a range of genres.
Classical training approach
Speaking about her journey with Swemmer, Veenemans explained how they build his vocal foundation.
“We work extensively on breath control, core support, and precise voice placement. Training the voice classically builds strength, range, and flexibility, ensuring he develops his vocal instrument in a healthy, sustainable way no matter what style he sings,” she said, adding that she taught him ‘completely from scratch’.
Reflecting on her time as Swemmer’s mentor, the coach said it has been an enriching experience.
“What makes working with him so special is his dedication. He is an exceptionally hard worker who diligently practices his vocal exercises and homework every week,” she said.
Recognising rare talent
Veenemans said that before meeting the young talent, she was not taking on any more students, but she changed her mind after watching a video of him performing at a church.
“The moment I heard Matthew, I decided right then and there that I had to teach him. He possessed an exceptional voice, remarkably rich, mature, and far advanced for a 15-year-old. I knew immediately that this was a rare talent that needed to be carefully nurtured and developed,” she recalled.
She added that Swemmer possesses a special presence onstage.
“When he steps onto a stage, he completely lights up. Matthew has that rare, natural gift to truly entertain an audience. He brings so much energy to his performances that he can have a room on their feet and dancing right along with him,” Veenemans said.
“Does he have what it takes to go big? Absolutely. When you combine natural talent, stage charisma, and unshakeable discipline, you have all the ingredients for a true star.”
Building a music career
Veenemans spoke about what lies ahead for the young artist.
“Going forward, our plan is to take things step-by-step and embrace every opportunity that comes our way. Building a lifelong voice takes time, but with his exceptional work ethic, proper guidance, and a bit of good fortune, I have no doubt Matthew has a remarkably bright future ahead of him in the music world,” she said.
Offering advice to other young vocalists, the coach noted that hard work paired with a practical backup plan is a worthwhile formula.
“First and foremost, you have to be willing to be a hard worker; success in singing never happens overnight. Vocal training is a lifelong journey with many ups and downs, and professional lessons are an investment. It is crucial to choose the right teacher or singing school that will protect and nurture your voice correctly,” she said.
“Music is an extraordinarily demanding career path, so I always advise young artists to also pursue a degree or qualification in another field so they have a solid foundation to fall back on. Real fame and lasting success require immense dedication, relentless hard work, and a good bit of luck; there are no shortcuts.”
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