The competition was established in 2022 by the Africa Lyric’s Opera association. Its founder, Patricia Djomseu, aimed to promote the emergence and visibility of lyrical talents from Africa and the diaspora. The event, which continues to gain visibility, has already allowed nearly 150 young singers to showcase their talent on the international stage.
Showcasing Lyrical Talent
For this fourth edition, no fewer than 70 singers from 20 countries submitted applications. Following pre-selections, forty of them will perform in the semi-finals across three categories: Young Hopeful, Amateur, and Semi-professional. On April 24 and 26, spectators, welcome to register on the Athénée theater’s website, will discover the incredible richness and diversity of the African lyrical scene through their performances.
Singers won’t be the only ones in the spotlight during the event; contemporary African composers will also have their place. “Each year,” explains Patricia Djomseu, “we commission an original work from an African or Afro-descendant classical music composer. Alongside the great historical composers of the classical, French, German, or Italian repertoire, we thus introduce African talents while promoting local languages and sounds. After Congolese Helfi Miaka, Nigerian Godwin Sadoh, and African-American Cynthia Cozette-Lee, this year it will be Haitian David Bontemps, South African Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolh, and Cameroonian Jules Teukam‘s turn to present an original composition to the public, thanks to the work done with Myrelingues”.
For those unable to attend the event, don’t worry! The competition will be followed in May by a grand concert tour across France, providing an opportunity for the winners to perform before a wide audience.
Networking and Visibility Opportunities
The initiative’s success stems from addressing a need. It provides talents with welcome recognition and visibility, as evidenced by young Malagasy soprano Mariamielle Lamagat, 2023 laureate, who greatly appreciated the opportunity to connect with the public.
The competition and tour also provide an opportunity for singers and composers to network with industry professionals. Candidates perform before a prestigious jury, mainly composed of opera and conservatory directors, as well as renowned international musicians, singers, and professionals. Subsequently, the tour offers opportunities to extend these connections, particularly with managers of partner operas and institutions. These are all occasions for exchanges and collaborations.
A Talent Incubator
While the competition gives a boost to emerging talents, it also aims to inspire future artists. On a continent where lyrical art remains underrepresented, it provides young people with examples of aspirational career paths.
However, inspiring vocations is not enough; it’s also necessary to provide young people with the opportunity to train in this very specific vocal art. In fact, on the African continent, singing is often learned through the Church, explains Togolese soloist Clémentine Ayefouni. Talents develop as self-taught artists, but technique is often lacking. Africa Lyric’s Opera works year-round to support talents through training, meetings, and workshops.
And the tireless Patricia Djomseu doesn’t plan to stop there! She has no shortage of ideas, including opening a conservatory in Cameroon to meet the demand for training from budding singers and trainers alike. An ambitious but necessary project to allow future great voices of Africa to find their way.
