SPOTLIGHT: Lonwabo Mose steps into role of Ramfis in AIDA

Beverley Brommert

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Very rarely does an aspiring young singer progress seamlessly from high school to performance with professional artists in an opera company like Cape Town Opera, yet such a one is 25-year-old bass baritone Lonwabo Mose. Anyone hearing him in rehearsal would soon guess why; the natural opulence of his voice and unforced delivery  are simply extraordinary.

Photo Supplied.

This gift was soon identified when, as a schoolboy, he participated in the choral music he greatly enjoyed, earning him solo parts in choral concerts with his peers. His early affinity with classical music was confirmed when at the age of 16, he experienced opera for the first time with a performance of Verdi's RIGOLETTO at Artscape. "That is when I knew I wanted to be a singer," he recalls."Verdi's music is my favourite, because it's so climactic in its build-ups of dramatic energy."

Just three years later, before COVID comprehensively altered the course of most lives in 2020, Mose, then fresh out of high school, auditioned successfully for a role in Puccini 's GIANNI SCHICCHI. Thanks to the epidemic, that appearance was deferred until Cape Town Opera staged the work in 2024 together with SUOR ANGELICA in a double bill to mark the centenary of Puccini's death. "That was my professional début as a soloist," says Mose, adding that he was more excited than nervous on the great occasion.

Since 2023, in the wake of several successes in overseas productions, he has participated in the prestigious Judith Neilson Young Artists Programme at CTO, to refine his impressive talent further:

"The programme is for two years, but it is flexible, so if one wants - or needs - to do another year, that is possible. Personally, I am quite happy either way, as there are so many opportunities one can enjoy in the course of it, not to mention all the experience and training."

Another reason for his willingness to continue training in the JNYAP is the need to establish more clearly the correct register for his voice.

"At present I'm a bass baritone, but I'm in no hurry to attach a definitive label to my voice; I would rather wait to be sure in which register I am really happy."

Words of wisdom from a young man still in his mid-twenties.

On the immediate horizon is his role in May this year in CTO's vibrant staging of AIDA, in which he is cast as the malevolent High Priest Ramfis. Music by his favourite composer affords him ample opportunity to modify the colour of his voice, a gift for a vocalist aspiring to be a dramatic baritone. "I am learning the techniques to get me there," he comments, "but the main problem is having to play such an evil, dangerous man!"

Previous roles have suited his innate kindliness far better: 'I felt more comfortable with characters like the gentle Doctor Grenvil in LA TRAVIATA, or the compassionate chaplain Raimondo in LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR", he chuckles. "One just has to try and grow into characters like Ramfis, mentally as well as vocally."

It seems success has not spoiled this unassuming young artist, who has come a long way since the age of 4, when in his native village of Cala in the Eastern Cape he was inspired on hearing his elder sister practising for her participation in the local choir.

On his current wish list for future roles is King Philip in DON CARLOS, a vocal challenge by any standards, and one which he says he would love to "tackle head on." With talent and ambition, most things are possible.

Cape Town Opera (CTO) presents Verdi’s AIDA from 23 to 31 May 2025 at Artscape. Set against a backdrop of war, forbidden love, betrayal, and cultural conflict, CTO’s Artistic Director, Magdalene Minnaar, unveils a bold, African futuristic reimagining of this iconic opera. Featuring an all-South African cast, this new production transports the opera into a vivid, imagined milieu, where visual storytelling merges with cutting-edge animation and a striking minimalist set design. Tickets cost from R190 through Webtickets and Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 0214217695. Advance booking is highly recommended and please note, no Under 5’s are permitted.