Believing in the power of women coming together to tell stories, South African soprano Yolisa Ngwexana joined fellow soprano Sasa Yende for A Fabulous Duo: Art Songs and Opera at the Inanda Club in Sandton on August 28.

Presented by Sittopera, the performance brought the two accomplished South African singers together for an evening of art songs and opera, with Laetitia Orlandi on piano.

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For Ngwexana, performing alongside another South African woman during Women’s Month carries a deeper meaning. “There is something powerful about two women from the same country coming together through music and sharing their voices and stories with an audience,” she said.

“As South African women, we come from a country with such a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and I think it is important that we continue to create spaces where women can celebrate one another,” Ngwexana said.

Ngwexana’s own journey into music was not always certain. She initially studied biotechnology, a path she describes as the safer and more practical choice at the time. However, music had always remained an important part of her life.

Eventually, she realised she could no longer ignore her calling. “Making that change required a lot of courage because there were many uncertainties. I had to trust myself and accept that my journey didn’t have to look like everyone else’s.”

The decision taught her an important lesson about taking risks and believing in her own vision. “Sometimes following your passion means being willing to take a risk and believe in yourself before other people can see your vision,” she said.

Strengthening female collaboration in music:

Her experiences have also shaped the way she approaches collaboration with other women in the arts. Ngwexana said working with Yende was an opportunity to learn, grow and encourage one another rather than compete.

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“She brings her own experience, musicality and personality to the music, and that has reminded me how important it is to remain open and curious as an artist. I think when you work with another woman who genuinely wants to see you succeed, you become more confident in your own voice as well.”

For Ngwexana, supporting women means recognising that one woman’s success does not take anything away from another.

She believes young women need to see examples of women succeeding together, particularly in industries where opportunities can sometimes feel limited.

“When women genuinely collaborate, we create something much bigger than what any one of us could create alone. We share knowledge, opportunities, encouragement and confidence.”

She hopes the Sandton performance will leave young women in the audience with the confidence to pursue their own ambitions

. “If even one young woman leaves the concert feeling inspired to pursue her passion, to use her voice and to take up space unapologetically, then I will feel that we have achieved something meaningful.

Most importantly, I want her to know that she doesn’t have to wait for someone to give her permission to shine. She is already worthy of the stage.”

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