Tiro Mpane Foundation National Choral Eisteddfod
The Tiro Mpane Foundation National Choral Eisteddfod (TMF-NCE) is a premier choral music initiative of the Tiro Mpane Foundation, founded in 2024. Rooted in a vision of unity, artistic excellence, and cultural celebration, TMF-NCE exists to provide choirs from across the African continent with a prestigious platform to showcase their talent, grow professionally, and contribute to the preservation and evolution of African choral traditions.
In its inaugural year, the Eisteddfod welcomed over 120 choirs from South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, demonstrating the immense passion and potential within the region’s choral communities. TMF-NCE offers a unique opportunity for choirs at all levels from community ensembles to university and professional groups—to compete, collaborate, and connect through the universal language of music.
At its core, TMF-NCE is more than just a competition. It is a movement that celebrates cultural identity, nurtures musical talent, and elevates African composers and conductors onto the continental and global stage. Through workshops, mentorship, and world-class performance opportunities, the festival is shaping the next generation of choral leaders and visionaries.
TMF-NCE Impact
TMF-NCE is one of Southern Africa’s fastest-growing choral platforms, bringing together choirs, conductors, composers, and music enthusiasts from across the SADC region. Each year, the festival creates opportunities for artistic growth, cultural exchange, and musical excellence, culminating in a spectacular Grand Finale every December.
Today, TMF-NCE continues to inspire audiences, nurture emerging talent, and raise the standard of choral performance across the continent.
What Makes TMF-NCE Unique?
• Participation from choirs across Southern Africa.
• Diverse competition categories celebrating African and Western Classical traditions.
• Professional development through masterclasses, workshops, and mentorship programmes.
• A platform for discovering and showcasing outstanding choral talent.
• Thousands of audience members engaged through live performances and digital platforms.
• Meaningful cultural exchange that strengthens unity through music.
Whether you’re a choir, sponsor, music lover, or supporter of the arts — there is a place for you at the Tiro Mpane Foundation National Choral Eisteddfod.
Together, let’s raise our voices and shape the future of African choral music.
