S'fisokuhle Jiba S. Xulu

A Classical Voice student at Rhodes University, S'fisokuhle Jiba S. Xulu was born in Newcastle, a small town in Kwa-Zulu Natal, before moving to Vereeniging in Gauteng, where his music journey began at General Smuts High School. As a member of the prestigious Smuts Tenors, a group of 9 male singers coached by Ms Monica Schaller, Xulu was introduced to the world of opera when he was accepted into the Vaal Tri-Ensemble. There he was coached by the renowned tenor, Coert Grobbelaar.

On completing his high school studies, he enrolled to study a University Diploma in Music at the North West University School of Music and Conservatorium in Potchefstroom, where he started and went on to teach saxophone to school children of the townships in the town. He also played in the NWU wind ensemble under Professor Karendra Devroop (Director of Jazz, UNISA). Xulu also sang in Opera works conducted by Dr Conroy Cupido of NWU and maestro Richard Cock. He was also involved in the African music ensemble works conducted by Dr Alvin Petersen and Dr David Nkosi. During his time at NWU, he also completed a training course in Music Education (saxophone for children and singing, keyboard skills, the method and teaching, choral conducting and administration).

After spending a year at the conservatorium, Xulu transferred to Rhodes University, where he currently studies ethnomusicology and classical singing. He has been coached by renowned names in South Africa such as Ms Gwyneth Lloyd, and Ms Lotta Koskenkangas. With a huge vocal range, Xulu is currently coached by the world renowned Jo-Nette Lekay. His band, where he is lead vocalist, opened for singer (and SA Idols judge) Unathi Msengana at her Grahamstown benefit concert in late 2014.