

Zwakele Tshabalala
Ian Stones
Hannah Elleray
“It is South African tenor Zwakele Tshabalala who demonstrated a properly huge voice, as Hot Biscuit Slim”
Seen and Heard
With a “bristling and heartfelt intensity” (The Guardian), up and coming South African tenor Zwakele Tshabalala captivates audiences with his touching performances on the opera stage. In his rapidly developing career, Tshabalala has established himself as a rising star, leaving a lasting impression wherever he performs.
Last season Tshabalala was invited to join English National Opera as a Harewood Artist after his acclaimed performance as Hot Biscuit Slim in Paul Bunyan at Alexandra Palace. He subsequently made his main stage debuts in the British premieres of Heggie’s It’s a Wonderful Life and Jeanine Tesori’s Blue, in which he sang the role of The Son to critical acclaim. His remarkable talent has shone internationally in the past few seasons as Sportin’ Life in Matthew Wild’s acclaimed new production of Porgy and Bess for Theater an der Wien, and the title role in Dutch National Opera’s world premiere performances of Anansi.
Tshabalala’s versatility and undeniable charisma have seen him excel in traditional as well as contemporary roles including his captivating portrayal of Rodolfo (La bohème) in Abracadopera! for Sky Arts and his recent inclusion in the Endellion Festival as Alfredo in La traviata.

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On the concert stage performing Beethoven’s Symphony No.9, he joined Marin Alsop as part of her celebration of Beethoven’s 250thanniversary at the World Economic Forum in ‘An International Call for Unity and Joy’ in January 2020, made his anticipated BBC Proms debut with the Chineke! Orchestra under the baton of Kevin John Edusei, and recently joined Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Barbican.
This season he continues his work with English National Opera as Nick in The Handmaid’s Tale and Gastone in La traviata. He makes his US debut with Marin Alsop with both Colorado Symphony in Denver and returns to the Royal Albert Hall to sing Gospel Messiah with BBC Concert Orchestra. He also joins Ed Gardner and London Philharmonic Orchestra for Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s satirical work Seven Deadly Sins.
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“South African tenor and current ENO Harewood Artist Zwakele Tshabalala is the breakout star of this production bringing a restless hip-hop energy to the role of The Son […] His voice has terrific power and clarity and it will be exciting to see him move into some of the great dramatic leading roles.”
“Zwakele Tshabalala’s live-wire incarnation of the Son galvanises the action whenever he’s on stage.”
“But the outstanding voice for me is the South African tenor Zwakele Tshabalala, an ENO Harewood Artist, as the Son. A memorable performance on every level. Impassioned, dramatic, his voice soars.”
“Zwakele Tshabalala is touching as the headstrong yet vulnerable son, his arguments frequently carrying the work’s intellectual and ideological weight.”
“We don’t hear enough of Zwakele Tshabalala as The Son.”
“The deceptively effortless reach of Cabell’s voice made its mark here, with assured support from mezzo Raehann Bryce Davis and tenor Zwakele Tshabalala.”
“Tshabalala turns the fabled spider Anansi into a cheerful hustler.”
“Tenor Zwakele Tshabalala really impressed as Lafitte’s lieutenant, Dominique You, who tells Pierre that General Jackson will ensure his escape in return for his participation in breaking the British siege of New Orleans. Tshabalala’s shifts between chest-power and head-voice fragility were masterly, and dramatically potent.”
“The particularly playful Zwakele Tshabalala as Dealer Sportin ‘Life.”
“The young Zwakele Tshabalala delighted as a mercurial Sportin’ Life who avoided any risk of sinking into caricature.”
“Vocally as bright and agile as a trumpet.”
“But that doesn’t mean we can’t be stirred… when the ringing tenor of Zwakele Tshabalala enters as the loggers’ new cook.”
“Two soloists stand out from the pack… Zwakele Tshabalala bursting with energy as the dashing cook Hot Biscuit Slim.”
“but it is South African tenor Zwakele Tschabalala who demonstrated a properly huge voice, as Hot Biscuit Slim. The pairing of Tshabalala and Rowan Pierce (as Tiny, Paul Bunyan’s daughter), was inspired casting.”