Meet Goitsemang Lehobye, DMA
Biography
Goitsemang Lehobye, DMA, is a lecturer for the music department.
Lehobye is a South African soprano and voice lecturer at Spelman College, whose teaching is deeply informed by an international performing career and a passion for mentoring young artists. Born in Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa, she brings to her work a rich artistic perspective shaped by global performance, cultural exchange, and a belief in the transformative power of music. Dr. Lehobye’s career has taken her to important stages in the United States, South Africa, Europe, and beyond.
Recent highlights include returning to South Africa as a soloist with the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra in 2025, performing in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town, culminating in a Carnegie Hall concert. She also made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2024 with the African United Youth Orchestra. Other recent appearances include Strauss concerts in Helsinki and with the Finnish National Opera, Aida and Rappahannock County with Opera Maine, and work with the Minnesota Orchestra in repertoire ranging from Villa-Lobos and Golijov to Vaughan Williams and Bongani Ndodana-Breen.
At Spelman, Dr. Lehobye is especially energized by working with students as they discover their voices, develop confidence, and grow into thoughtful, expressive artists. She values teaching because it allows her to help students connect technique, language, storytelling, and identity. Her approach emphasizes healthy vocal production, clear communication, stylistic understanding, and the individuality each singer brings to the studio. She is particularly passionate about helping students feel seen and heard, and about creating a supportive environment where they can take artistic risks and develop as whole musicians.
She is also inspired by Spelman’s mission and the opportunity to teach in a community centered on excellence, purpose, and the education of Black women. For Dr. Lehobye, teaching at Spelman is not only about vocal development but also about empowering students to use their artistry with courage, intelligence, and integrity. Her own artistic formation began in the Black-Tie Opera Ensemble’s Incubator Scheme in South Africa and continued at the University of Cape Town and the University of Michigan, where she earned the Friends of Opera Anna Chapekis Award. Today, she remains committed to bringing the richness of her South African heritage to both the stage and the classroom.
Learn More About Goitsemang Lehobye, Ph.D.
Education
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in performance, University of Michigan
Courses Taught
- Fundamentals of music
- Lyric diction (English, Italian, German and French)
- Private voice
Research Interests
- Guiseppe Verdi Operas
- African Art songs
- African American Art Songs/ spirituals
News and Notes
- Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder — “South African opera singer Lehobye’s voice lifts, then levels.”
Description: Feature/profile on my artistic journey and performances with the Minnesota Orchestra. - New York Classical Review — “Africa United brings passion, purpose and wow to WOW!”
Description: Review of the Africa United Youth Orchestra’s Carnegie Hall performance, including mention of my solo appearance. - New York Concert Review — “University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra in Review.”
Description: Review of the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra’s Carnegie Hall performance, featuring me as one of the soloists. - 200 Young South Africans / Mail and Guardian — “Goitsemang Lehobye, 33.” Description: Profile recognizing me as one of South Africa’s notable young leaders/artists.
- WeekendSpecial — “CPO review: Goitsemang Lehobye, Bongiwe Nakani.” Description: Arts review covering my appearance with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.