From Final Bell to First Single: Mo Xaba’s Reddam Success Story: Mo Xaba’s matric year at Reddam House Umhlanga ended the way many of his days have unfolded over the past three years: with commitment, momentum and music. Known to friends and teachers as “Mo”, Nqubeko Xaba has been a driving force in the College’s choir, sport and cultural life since joining in Grade 10, and his journey reflects what it looks like when talent meets consistent effort.

Reddam House Umhlanga is widely recognised for the strength of its cultural programme, with its co-educational choir regarded as one of the finest school choirs in South Africa. This excellence was showcased on the international stage in 2024, when the choir was invited to perform in New York City, including appearances at St Patrick’s Cathedral and Carnegie Hall, where their performances were met with standing ovations from captivated audiences.

Nqubeko Xaba

Among the voices that helped carry this success was Nqubeko “Mo” Xaba. Mo joined Reddam House Umhlanga at the start of his Grade 10 year, having previously attended Drakensberg Boys Choir School, where he served as Head Boy. At RHU, he quickly became an integral part of a choir culture defined by discipline, unity and expressive excellence. In his matric year, Mo served as both a choir leader and soloist, recognised for his deep, resonant voice and commanding musical presence. But Mo’s Reddam story extends far beyond music.

Affectionately known as Mo, Nqubeko embraced the full breadth of opportunities offered at the College. On the sports field, he represented Reddam House Umhlanga in First Team rugby and First Team soccer, earning admiration for his commitment and team spirit. On stage, he took on leading roles in the College’s major productions each year, captivating audiences with his intensity, confidence and stage presence.

Nqubeko Xaba

Equally significant was Mo’s academic journey. As a boarder for three years, he demonstrated determination and steady growth, improving his results by between 10 and 15 percent in several subjects. His matric results, including 87% for Life Orientation, 85% for Mathematical Literacy and strong B-symbol performances in English, isiZulu and Music, reflect a student who committed wholeheartedly to balance and progress.

The defining moment of Mo’s matric year came during the Valedictory Ceremony. As a video tribute played on screen, featuring childhood photographs of each of Reddam House Umhlanga’s 89 matriculants alongside their current school portraits, a powerful and emotive song filled the auditorium. At the conclusion of the video, College Head Shelley Peringuey asked the audience whether they recognised the voice behind the music. She then revealed that the song was Mo Xaba’s debut single, Let Me Go, released earlier that very day.

The response was immediate and overwhelming. Mo was asked to stand, and the applause that followed was prolonged and heartfelt, celebrating not only his talent, but the journey of a young man who had become deeply valued within his school community.Mo Xaba’s story captures the spirit of Reddam House Umhlanga: a place where cultural confidence, sport, academic growth and personal development are woven together, and where students are encouraged not only to find their voice, but to share it boldly with the world. Listen to Mo Xaba’s single “Let Me Go” here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_9Mw2y0qMQ

Nqubeko Xaba and Shelley Peringueye