About
Mezzo soprano BONGIWE NAKANI was born in Cape Town.
She studied at the South African College of Music and – already during her studies – won the second prize in the Shock Foundation singing competition. In 2012 the singer won the second prize and the audience prize at the Amazwi Omzantsi singing competition. The same year she performed at the Glimmerglass Festival in Lost in the Stars, Armida and Aida. In 2013, Bongiwe Nakani made her debut at the Cape Town Opera as Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia (in a cooperation with the UCT Opera School) and also sang Marchesa Melibea in Il viaggio a Reims there. In 2015, Bongiwe Nakani was awardee at the renowned Neue Stimmen competition. That same year, the mezzo soprano sang Elisabetta in Maria Stuarda as well as in Four 30: Opera made in South Africa at the Cape Town Opera. As of the season 2016/2017 Bongiwe Nakani is ensemble member of the Wiener Staatsoper.