The curtain came down on the minstrel carnival on Saturday night and what a season it has been.
The final of Section 2 of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association went down at Athlone Stadium and the night belonged to Baruch Entertainers, who were crowned champions.
Kitted in their black and white check with a splash of red, this season’s favourites also won first prize for best dressed.
Baruch also had the most spectators in the stands at the competition each week, cheering them on to victory.
It was neck and neck for the runners-up spot, with Orient G-Stars cementing their place with kwaai performances.
The final day of competition featured the items of Best Band, Coon Song and Group Song, with Baruch, Orients G-Star, Playaz, Posh Vibrants, Ohio TV Stars, Kensington All Stars, Mitchells Plain All Stars, Mitchells Plain Tycoons, D6 Raw and Extreme Minstrels all vying for top honours.
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: Baruch Entertainers. Picture: Jack Lestrade
After five weeks of fierce competition, Baruch cleaned up in the Group Song, Best Band, Best Dress, Senior Drum Major, Coon Song, Afrikaans Moppie, Juvenile Drum Major, English Combine Chorus and Klopse Jol items.
Troupe owner Claude Jonas congratulated his team on the victory.
“It’s all because of a confident team who worked hard for this day to be made possible. Without a disciplined structure we wouldn’t have made it this far. Thank you to my partners and team captains.”
The top five troupes in order were Baruch, Orients G-Star, D6 Raw, Playaz and Kensington All Stars.