Melikhaya (Melly) Ndabeni, Nkumbuzo Nkonyana and Sihle Mtitshana are the current members of “Heavenly Quartez”. Formed in 2008 in Cape Town, the group has a mission to inspire their audiences and their incredible talent is sure to do just that.
Natasha Barbieri: What was the first song you performed as a soloists?
Melikhaya Ndabeni: ‘Un Aura amorosa’ from Cosi Fan Tutte by Mozart
Nkumbuzo Nkonyana: I performed ‘Magic’ and sang in the choir
Sihle Mtitshana: ‘Ah, se fosse intorno al trono’ from La Clemenza di Tito by W A Mozart
Natasha Barbieri: When did you first meet?
Melikhaya Ndabeni: l met the guys in high school. We attended the same school in Khayelitsha Cape Town.
Nkumbuzo Nkonyana: Around 2007-2008 in High School Choir 3.
Sihle Mtitshana: I met the guys in different years back in high school but joined the group in 2015.
Natasha Barbieri: How do you describe your unique group sound?
Melikhaya Ndabeni: Popra sound.
Nkumbuzo Nkonyana: Classical Crossover with a background of choral and a bit of opera
Sihle Mtitshana: Magical especially when we come together with our harmonize
Natasha Barbieri: What does the name Heavenly Quartez mean to you?
Melikhaya Ndabeni: Quartet from heaven.
Nkumbuzo Nkonyana: A Heavenly Quartet
Sihle Mtitshana: A Quartet created from heaven
Natasha Barbieri: What do you want your listeners to take away from your music?
Melikhaya Ndabeni: Inspiration, healing and be motivated.
Nkumbuzo Nkonyana: The slogan is ‘Music to uplift your soul.’ We give hope and inspiration.
Sihle Mtitshana: Healing and encouragement
Natasha Barbieri: Tell us about your most memorable performance to date?
Melikhaya Ndabeni: FIFA World Cup in 2010 seeing myself performing in front of 70 thousand people was a dream come true for me and at that time we only had 3 years as a group.
Nkumbuzo Nkonyana: Sharing a stage with the SOWETO string Quartet at KKNK music festival.
Sihle Mtitshana: In 2018 we had our show where I sang for the first time in front of my family and friends
Natasha Barbieri: If you could do a tour in any country you’ve not sung in before where would it be?
Melikhaya Ndabeni: For me that would be Spain definitely
Nkumbuzo Nkonyana: China
Sihle Mtitshana: Australia
Natasha Barbieri: What do you enjoy about the classical crossover genre?
Melikhaya Ndabeni: For me it reaches everyone and it takes me out of my comfort zone and l love challenge.
Nkumbuzo Nkonyana: The music is timeless and even if one doesn’t understand the language they can still feel the emotion behind the song
Sihle Mtitshana: Having the opportunity to try different types of music and do it in my own style
Natasha Barbieri: Do you have a favorite song to perform together?
Melikhaya Ndabeni: Definitely for me it’s ‘Unchained Melody’
Nkumbuzo Nkonyana: The ‘African Medley’, it shows our originality and where we come from
Sihle Mtitshana: Nosipho, I like songs that have that intimate feeling and are sung in our own language
Natasha Barbieri: What are some of the things your group has planned for the future?
Melikhaya Ndabeni: Touring, touring and touring non stop
Nkumbuzo Nkonyana: To get more international gigs.
Sihle Mtitshana: To sing on an international stage
To follow Heavenly Quartez visit their official website
