The Cape Town cultural community is going all-out with events before the start of the holy Muslim month of Ramadaan in June.
Sunday is Mother’s Day and we will be making this day special for the “behind-the-scenes” women who are very often the driving forces within most organisations.
This weekend past was pretty jam-packed too. The new All Star Entertainers minstrel troupe held their first road march. I was unfortunately out of Cape Town and not able to attend that one.
There were also two very larney events hosted by minstrel troupes.
The Xtreme Minstrels held a fundraising dinner which clearly showed the troupe’s class.
CEO Yusuf “Joey” Davids says: “We wanted to use this event to introduce the Xtreme Limited Edition Drum Corps as part of our group. These youngsters are from our community and have immense talent that needs to be properly showcased.”
He adds: “As the Xtreme group, we have decided to focus on the upliftment of our youth in all areas of their lives, not just the Klopse. The project which I am most proud of is our maths school which takes place at Blackpool Hall, Shelley Road, Salt River, every alternate Saturday from 9am to 12pm.
“Children from all troupes and all schools are welcome to attend. The classes are FREE and the next class will take place on Saturday, 7 May.”
The Shoprite Pennsylvanians also held a swanky gala dinner - very different from the karaoke and disco dances they normally have.
This troupe seems to be moving in a new direction which makes space for a more varied member and support base.
The change in the nature of events in the minstrel fraternity is also an indication of how hugely attractive the Klopse has become to a certain sector of society, to which it never appealed to before.
I take my hat off to all troupe owners who are fostering a culture of discipline and respect within their ranks.
As a community, we will be the better for it.