They were the ones who taught them the art of moppie singing and who brought them much joy by winning the top awards in the comic song category.
The owner of the minstrel troupe, the Mitchells Plain young Tycoon, Mr Zanie Birch, said it best: “Ou Waseef my broetjie, sonder n moppie het jy nie ‘n klopskamer nie. Die moppie is die lewe van enige klopskamer.”
They would speak of the legendary Boeta Diekie Vlieg, who wrote the world-famous comic die toi-toi and of the golden years when Boeta Maan Adams skyrocketed to fame for his moppie song Die Kakkelak.
Boeta Taliep “Falcon” Abrahams would share memories of how he would write the words of his own moppie which he penned onto his gloves and make hand gestures in front of his face in order to see the words whenever he forgot them and that he could hear the guys complaining behind him while they were busy competing: “Hy’t die blerrie ding geskryf maar hy ken self nie die woorde nie”.
The moppie song has given birth to many Cape Town stars and is said to be the first step towards becoming a comedy star on the Cape Flets.
Homegrown celebrities like Emo Adams started with this item and up until today he is known to many people simply as “Doutjie”, which was the title of the first moppie he ever won.
Today the Cape Malay Choir paternity is blessed to have a new group of youngsters who are finding their feet and bringing their A-game with dreams of one day being spoken of in the same breath as the great ones.
At times, one does tend to forget the difficulty that comes with performing the item.
It is faster than combine, has a number of rhythmic and tempo changes, and you are not only swaying, you are jolling throughout while still having to sing with perfect tone and diction.
Mense, dis nie soe maklik soes dit lyk nie.
The moppie also requires the performer to be funny, to have a good voice en hy moet kan mal jol.
It is an art form in its own right and it’s truly, uniquely Kaaps.
For two Malay choir seasons, I have watched some of the new talent coming through on the moppie item and, in my opinion, they are top class.
Some have been around a while and are beginning to understand their craft, while others are natural performers and carry the item with ease.
These guys are the future of every laugh you will get to experience at the Cape Malay Choir competition over the next few years and I for one hope they stay around for a long time.
With that said, the Moppie King wishes to thank the photographers Mogammad Tharwat and Shahien Allie for capturing the Malay choir season so beautifully.