This family from Bridgetown is the face of the klopse - literally.
The Adams family, previously from Kewtown, started their face-painting business many years ago and have more than 500 people queueing at their door for their unique skills.
Ardiel Adams, 49, and sons Zubair, 25, and Eesaa, 19, did a roaring trade with the Cape Town Street Parade on 2 January, with minstrels coming to them from before 5am.
The painters use brushes, as well as an airbrush technique using compressors.
The process starts with a white base coat, which is allowed to dry. The troupe’s colours are added to that.
The job is completed with a brush and loads of glitter that sparkle in the sunlight.
Eesaa started painting faces when he was in primary school.
“My entire life I have watched my father and Zubair do this. We have queues of people at our house from very early in the morning to have their art done. I learnt to do this by watching my family,” he says.
The teen says he tries his best to make every artwork unique and is inspired by the colours of the outfits worn by the teams.
“I started painting my dad’s face and Zubair’s when I was small. I practised on them and soon it just came naturally. I would do an entire troupe, choosing their mood based on their colours and gear. I love doing what I do,” Eesaa says.
Besides his passion for the klopse, Eesaa completed a one-year graphic design course last year and is now looking for a job.
The work he does for the klopse, however, brings in money while he is still job hunting.
“It’s my income for now. We charge R80 per face and R150 per head. The kids will pay a little less depending on their size,” the young man says.
Eesaa says he is very proud of their family.
“We work hard at what we do and it is amazing to see our customers so happy and excited when we are done with their art,” he says.
“I put everything into this. It makes me happy to be part of my family’s tradition.”