Ubuntu - The Siphiwo Ntshebe Legacy Music Fund

Archbishop Desmond Tutu explains the South African word Ubuntu as: "the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality - Ubuntu - you are known for your generosity. We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity."

The friends, family and colleagues of Siphiwo have set up Ubuntu - The Siphiwo Ntshebe Legacy Music Fund in memory of their beloved brother.

The aim of Ubuntu - The Siphiwo Ntshebe Legacy Music Fund is to help musicians from all over the African continent, and throughout the 54 countries of the Commonwealth. Siphiwo was passionate about taking his music talent home to share with fellow Africans. One of many long-term visions he had was to establish a music and opera school in South Africa - he wanted to involve everyone in his passion for Opera. He would spend hours planning elaborate schemes to use music as an international language, that knows no boundaries.

Siphiwo's life, now so suddenly and tragically cut short, has meant that he did not have the opportunity to perform at La Scala, Covent Garden or The Met in New York. However, wherever he did sing, in South Africa, London and throughout Europe, he was met with critical acclaim. There follows three particular compliments paid to him, which are typical of the types of comments Siphiwo would receive:

At the Whitehall Banqueting House in London a grand lady came up to him following his performance and said "Last week I went to the opera in La Scala, but there was no-one there who could match your wonderful voice".

At St James's Palace, a limousine driver who was waiting to collect his client came running into the room where Siphiwo had just performed and he said "Sir, I have to shake your hand. I do not like opera, but your singing just gave me goose bumps all over!"

At St Paul's Cathedral when Siphiwo sang for Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a gentleman came up to Siphiwo after his performance and said " I am a hard-nosed city businessman and I do not understand classical music, but I have now heard you sing twice and on both occasions your wonderful singing made me cry!"

Siphiwo had so very many hopes and dreams, all of which are now unrealised. He had a vision of his own life that combined an international career in the great opera houses of the world, with a continual connection with his roots and finding ways in which he could help the lives of his fellow South African musicians - Siphiwo embodied the spirit of Ubuntu.

Lamentably, we are unable to fulfil the first part of Siphiwo's hopes and dreams, but with Ubuntu - The Siphiwo Ntshebe Legacy Music Fund, we will create an historic Music Legacy in his name and which will achieve, with Siphiwo's dedication and determination, a means to help his fellow young aspiring musicians.

If you would like to help us keep the Siphiwo Ntshebe Legacy alive and you would like to donate to Ubuntu - The Siphiwo Ntshebe Legacy Music Fund, then please click on the following button.