SES VANNIE BESTES

THIS past weekend our beloved Cape Malay Choir Board (CMCB) choirs showcased their amazing talent at the Top 6 and the President’s Cup, held at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town.

I have been a member of Angeliere SK since the age of five and have been associated with Malay choirs for over 60 years. In my humble opinion, we saw the best Top 6 concert in history. 

The top six choirs from the sectional competitions Jonge Studente, Rangers SC, Ottoman SC, Marines MC, Primrose MVC and Boarding Boys SC dished up top class singing that had a capacity 1 500-strong audience in raptures! 

On both days, competition started and finished on time, something our long-suffering patrons deserved and truly appreciated. 

The CMCB has undoubtedly stepped up their game. The Exco under the leadership of Faldie Trout, the competitions committee and youth council - in partnership with the Artscape management team, delivered a professional and world-class production. 

The response to the President’s Cup and Top 6 has been nothing but positive, with tons of praise heaped on the logistics and the quality of competition.

Malene Le Roux, CEO of the Artscape Theatre, addressed the audience at the halfway mark and had this to say: “It is an honour for Artscape to host the 86th iconic Malay choir competition. The standard was of an exceptional quality… 

“These Malay choirs are the jewel of tradition, cultural practices and choral music at its best. What a show of talent, dedication and hard work. This is an art form that everyone in SA must experience...”

The Top 6 results was a very close affair. In the end, Ottoman Sporting Club walked away with the highest points honours.

With 22 points, they edged out joint second place finishers Jonge Studente and Rangers Sporting Club with 20 points each. Marines finished third with 16 points, followed by Primroses and Boarding Boys. 

Studente won the coveted Nederlandse lied trophy with an impeccable performance by their geharde voorsinger, Taariq Abrahams. 

Rangers won the Combined Chorus and Senior Solo categories. Ottomans SC won the Moppie, with their talented voorsinger Raees Adams, being as entertaining as always. 

Shakier Engelbrecht, 19, and Primroses once again had the crowd on their feet with their moving rendition of Loewiesa ! What a night!

The President’s Cup was held on Saturday and it would be an injustice if I did not mention the resurgence of Young Men Sporting Club. 

They delivered top – notch performances, winning three first prizes and walking away with top honours on 32 points. Parkdales finished in second place with Suburban LG Boys in a well-deserved third place.

The show sold out very quickly and many patrons were left disappointed at not being able to attend. 

The CMCB stole many hearts by live streaming the Top 6 at the last minute. Despite some hiccups, many elders, those who were unable to get tickets, and those who were not able to afford the tickets, were able to follow the competition from the comfort of their homes. Grateful local and international supporters expressed their gratitude at having been able to be part of such an amazing event.

Now we wait for the Grand Finale at Athlone Stadium on 29 November 2025. A number of choirs are in the running for the Silver Fez (Koefieyah) and practices are in full swing!