​Third year music student Sinomtha Zake believes that if the youth come together and use their diverse skills, talents and education, they can change the future and shape it into what they want it to be.

During Youth Month, we put the spotlight on eight members of the Stellenbosch University (SU) Choir – one from each voice group. Together with more than 100 other individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and fields of study, and under the leadership of conductor André van der Merwe, they inspire and transport audiences across the world with their unique sound. ​Visit the SU Choir's YouTube channel​ to listen to their songs.​

Sinomtha took a moment to answer a couple of questions about herself:

Tell us about yourself, and how it came about that you joined the choir.

I come from East London in the Eastern Cape and I matriculated from Clarendon High School for Girls. I am currently in my third year of studying towards a Bachelor of Music.

I joined the choir last year in my second year of study. I had always wanted to join the choir and was determined to be part of it in my first year, but I completely missed the audition process and dates in my matric year. I successfully auditioned for 2020 on my first attempt – an achievement I will treasure for a very long time.

What do you enjoy most about being in the choir? 

I love being around a group of young people like myself who have insane talent, skill and a passion for singing. I love feeling comfortable around these people – comfortable enough to learn and make mistakes with them, to let down any guards that I would have put up in other social spaces. I also love the fact that the music that the Stellenbosch University Choir sings touches and changes lives all around the world; this is what I believe music should do.

With Youth Day in mind, what is your message of hope for other young people?

My message of hope for the youth is that together, using our diverse skills, talents and education, we can change the future and shape it into what we want it to be. Many of the current day problems make it a very difficult time to live in as a young person, but if we work through it and help one another, we can definitely take a good leap in the right direction.

What is your favourite song at the moment?

My favourite song now, which I start my day by listening to, is Indlovu by DJ Zinhle ft Loyiso.