Pretty Yende's performance received tonnes of appreciation
Pretty Yende's performance received tonnes of appreciation (Image via Associated Press)

In many ways, King Charles III’s coronation was a historic event. However, opera soprano Pretty Yende had a unique connection to it.

On Saturday, the South African soprano made history by becoming the first African soloist to be invited to sing in a British coronation ceremony. With the entire world watching, she took the stage to play Sacred Fire, a song created especially for the occasion by composer Sarah Class. She also looked amazing in a gorgeous yellow gown.

After her performance, she received a ton of praise from admirers on social media.

“I feel very honored”: Pretty Yende performs at the coronation

Pretty Yende is an African singer who performed at Prince Charles III's coronation
Yende is an African singer who performed at Prince Charles III’s coronation (Image via Getty Images / Associated press / Spiel Times)

Pretty Yende, a South African soprano, was born and raised in a small town in eastern South Africa. The place was some 8,000 miles away from where she performed on Saturday at King Charles III’s coronation. Yende was immersed in music from a young age, singing gospel music in church in her hometown of Piet Retief. She was born in 1985 during South Africa’s oppressive and racist apartheid system.

While doing the dishes after dinner, she recalled family musical nights. However, it was on the long walks to church with her asthmatic grandmother that five-year-old Yende developed her pitch.

On May 6, 2023, Prince Charles III was crowned at Westminster Abbey, London. There were 2,000 attendees, including royalty and world leaders. Moreover, 12 brand-new musical compositions have been commissioned in celebration of the occasion.

King Charles III has always been a fan of opera and has been named the patron of more than a dozen musical organizations worldwide. Kiri Te Kanawa, a New Zealand opera singer, sang at his own wedding to the late Princess Diana in 1981.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s 75th anniversary gala, which was held at Windsor Castle in April 2022, was not the first time King Charles had heard Yende perform.

Yende was then specially invited to perform. She became the first African to perform a solo at a British coronation. The event was watched by millions of people, most likely the largest audience in Yende’s career to date. Referring to the event, she said last week, “dream come true”.

“I was overwhelmed, shocked, happy. All the emotions were just rushing in,” she said while recalling the moment when she was invited.

Sacred Fire was performed by the singer at this coronation. It was a brand-new composition created especially for the occasion by British composer Sarah Class.

Following the event at Westminster Abbey, the singer talked with ET’s Kevin Frazier. “When I got to learn about opera, I realized that it’s something that I would like to share with as many people as possible, because of how it made me feel.”

Yende also told ET, “I really feel like I’m royalty, actually”. She was wearing a magnificent yellow Stéphane Rolland gown and Graff jewelry.

“I had an amazing view and just seeing all of the royal family members, it was a huge moment for me,” she added with a laugh. “As they passed by, I’m like, ‘Oh my god, that’s Kate! Oh my god, that’s William! Oh my god, that’s the king!’ Everyone, even all the princes and princesses, was something like, oh my god, an amazing moment for me.”

You can also share any questions or comments you have about Pretty Yende. Until then, stay with us here at Spiel Times for more content.

Make sure you share, subscribe to our push notifications, and never miss an update from the world of video games, cinema, and sports. You can also follow us on Twitter @spieltimes for the latest update.

Don’t forget to check out more of our original content from the list below:

Blue Beetle’s release date| Millie Bobby Brown’s new book| Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’ relationship| Selena Gomez-Hailey Bieber drama| Celebrity couples who have children via surrogacy| 5 must watch Pixar movies| Love Again release date| Selena and Zayn’s relationship| Couples from Love in Blind| Illumination studio’s upcoming films | BTS SUGA announces new album| Top 5 handsome K-pop idols| RESTRICT act in USA| 5 celebrities who tried dating apps| 5 best Netflix crime dramas|

Bias Sinha Sarkar
https://www.spieltimes.com/author/bias
Bias Sinha is a Writer at Spiel Times. She is an introvert who is currently pursuing her Bachelors in Education. Moreover, she used to work as a freelance content writer. She is interested in books, old movies, and K-dramas. In her leisure time, she likes to read, make DIY crafts, create scrapbooks, watch series and spend time with her fur baby. Furthermore, she is also writing her own book.