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The University of Stellenbosch walked away 2016 Varsity Sing champions on Thursday, 13 October, taking home the R70 000 first-place prize, following the live 90-minute Varsity Sing, proudly sponsored by FNB, final in Johannesburg. Maties also won the FNB Fan Favourite award, as voted for by the public, taking home an additional R50 000.

It was a debut season for Varsity Sing, and one that finished on a high note, which was broadcast live on kykNET (DSTV Channel 144), in Johannesburg on Thursday night.

“FNB is very proud to be associated with Varsity Sing,” said Mari van Niekerk, FNB Senior Communication and Sponsorship Manager. “It’s part of our sponsorship strategy to develop the youth of South Africa and to encourage nation building in our country. We’re very excited to be involved not only in the sporting side of youth development, but also music and arts. Congratulations to the winners, Maties.”

UJ opened the evening with their original composition, "I Will Lift UP Mine Eyes". It was the perfect tempo to kick things off, as Renette Bouwer and her choir had the audience sinking back into their seats, soaking up the sweet sounds of their opening performance. They continued with Deke Sharon’s unique arrangement of the the jazzy hit Fever, in the Own Choice category. They concluded with "African Medley", arranged by Sidumo, a South African composition.

NMMU were up second, following a tough UJ act. They got things started with "Alleluia", by American composer Jake Runestad. "Alleluia" came to an abrupt end, as they launched into their second song, and Own Choice, "Heimwee". The deep bass lay a firm foundation, while the sopranos added striking delicacy, in what was a combination of power and delicacy. They ended strongly with "Anti-Rassisme Medley", a South African composition. Led by their commanding soloist, they ended off with the piece South Africa fell in love with a few episodes earlier.

Maties were third and they had a spiritual beginning with "The Conversion of Saul", composed by Randall Stroope. They transitioned brilliantly into the gentle sounds of "Ave Maria", their Own Choice, with a technical and seamless sound. And then they ended the way they began, singing Afrikaans hit "Toe Vind Ek Jou". Their sopranos powered through the performance, while the tenors injected energy. Every member made the words their own.

Tuks were the final choir to take to the stage. They began with "U Lig En U Waarheid". "Hare Se Re Bina" was their second piece and their traditional South African selection. "Great God Almighty", by Stacey Gibbs was Tuks’ Own Choice and they certainly did it their way, ending off the show with a bang. Covered by NMMU earlier in the competition, Tuks tackled "Great God Almighty" as if it was their final opportunity to stake a claim for the title.