Song List – Tiro Mpane Foundation National Choral Eisteddfod

PRESCRIBED MUSIC AND CATEGORIES

1. Advanced Category: ( 30 – 50 choristers only)
For the 2026 TMF-NCE, only a Provincial/Regional champion choir
will proceed to the finals, having met the minimum threshold of 75
marks aggregate
1.1. African unaccompanied music composed by an African composer
from a list provided by TMF-NCE.
1.2 Western pieces, choirs to choose from a list of songs provided by
TMF-NCE.
1.3 Each Advanced Category prescribed Western repertoire can only be
selected by a maximum of two choirs within a given Province/Regional
Eliminations.
1.4 Songs will be allocated on a first – to register, first-served basis, and choirs advancing to the National Finals may not change their
song choices.
1.5. Choirs need to submit sheet music upon registration for approval by
The Artistic Committee.
Choristers in this category are not allowed to sing in other categories
except the interdenominational.
2. Tertiary Category (51 – 60 choristers only)
For the 2026 TMF-NCE, this category will follow the league format,
with only the top 10 choirs proceeding to the finals.
2..1 African unaccompanied music composed by an African composer
from a list provided by TMF-NCE.
.2.2 Western pieces, choirs to choose from a list provided by TMF-NCE.
2.3 Provincial/Regional, only two (2) choirs in the Tertiary Category will be
allowed to perform the same piece.
2.4 Songs will be allocated on a first-register, first-served basis, and
choirs advancing to the National Finals cannot change their song
choices.
Choristers in this category are not allowed to sing in other categories except
the interdenominational.

3. Premier Category (65 choristers only)
For the 2026 TMF-NCE, this category will follow the league format,
with only the top 10 choirs proceeding to the finals.
3.1 African accompanied music composed by an African composer from
a list provided by TMF-NCE.
3.2 Western pieces, choirs to choose from a list provided by TMF-NCE.
3.3 Provincial/Regional, only two (2) choirs in the Premier Category will
be allowed to perform the same piece.
3.4 Songs will be allocated on a first-to register, first-served basis, and
choirs advancing to the National Finals cannot change their song
choices.
3.5 The leader of the league will automatically advance to the Great
Champs category.

Choristers in this category are not allowed to sing in other categories except
the interdenominational.

4. Great Champs: (70 choristers only)
For the 2026 TMF-NCE, 4choirs are chosen for the Great Champs
Category
4.1 Commissioned African music will be chosen from a list provided by
TMF-NCE.
4.2 Western pieces; choirs to choose from a list provided by TMF-NCE.
4.4 Songs/excerpts will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis,
and the order of performance at the finals will follow the progression of
The score as per the total mass in B minor mass.
4.3 Choristers in this category are not allowed to sing in other categories
except the interdenominational.
5. Interdenominational (60 choristers only)
For the 2026 TMF-NCE, 5 choirs will represent various churches
denominations only at the finals.
The choice of music (African and Western) will be determined by the church
denomination.
Scores should be submitted to the AC by the 31 st August 2026
Choristers in this category are allowed to sing in other categories.
6. Performance Permissions
6.1. Each choir is responsible for obtaining the necessary permissions, licenses, and
authorizations from composers, arrangers, publishers, or relevant copyright holders
for any works performed during the competition. Proof of such permissions may be
requested by the organisers.