How did a baby, born in 1984 in South Africa—the world’s most complicated system of segregation and apartheid, find his way to the great opera stages of Europe and the United States? How did a child, raised in poverty by his grandmother in Zwide township, attain academic degrees in both South Africa and the United States? What does it take for one boy—or any child—to overcome the debilitating effects of discrimination and impoverishment? Readers, joining Musa Ngqungwana on his odyssey from poverty to recognition will find their knowledge about modern South Africa increased and their understanding of the world-wide opera scene enhanced. Their hope will be rekindled that children, all children, no matter what their circumstance of birth, can be given the opportunity to claim their gifts, develop them, and use them to enrich the lives of others. Read Less