The Juvie Boy Entertainers are officially the champions of Section 1 of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association competitions, which took place at Athlone Stadium over the past five weeks.
They walked away with 11 first-prize trophies and topped the points table.
It was a tough year for the Juvie Boys, who lost one of their chief directors, Boeta Boebie.
The team made their intention clear earlier in the season that this year would be dedicated to the memory of the klopse legend.
It was evident throughout the competition that they were playing for more than just trophies, because almost every item was filled with more passion than we have seen in the Juvies in previous carnivals.
The people’s team also regained their title as Klopse Jol Kings.
It is a title well deserved because as all klopse fans at Athlone Stadium are aware, when the Juvies enter the arena, dan is die hele stadium op hulle voete.
In fact, I can’t remember one year when they did not get a standing ovation.
Many may argue that the criteria says you can’t stand still in the klopse jol and that perhaps they should not have won due to this, but nobody can say that the Juvies do not have a gevaarlike klopse jol, so the title this year is well deserved.
As I stood at Athlone Stadium on the last day and watched JBE prepare for their group song, it reminded me why I always think of klopse as the Olympic games of cultural entertainment.
The determination on the faces of the singpak speaks volumes.
When one looks into their eyes, you can see that they came to win and came to keep the JBE flag flying high.
It was indeed a group song second to none from start to finish. The song choice, the choreography and the harmonies were as if it was always meant to be and happen that way, as if they had an angel guiding every single performer through that performance.
The highlight for me, in that group song, was when the group sang Celine Dion’s All By Myself, drawing huge cheers from their supporters and the other teams.
They are worthy of the title Group Song Kings as well.
Ameer Williams is definitely the perfect fit for JBE as head coach and the singpak has shown that they trust and believe in his work, as they executed whatever he set out for them.
They will definitely be a force to be reckoned with.
In the moppie, a newbie, Raeez Adams, who is fast becoming a singing star, walked away with the Afrikaans moppie first prize.
I always love it when a new youngster bursts onto the scene and is rewarded by the judges. This I am sure will motivate the Juvies to give him another shot and provide him with the self- belief he needs to further his career, not only at the klopse but in the mainstream theatre world too.
For me, the Juvies’ win has a lot to do with hard work by the directors, a passionate media team and diehard supporters, but was driven by the singpak’s desire to make their fallen mentor proud.
DESERVING: Juvie Boy Entertainers. Picture: Jack Lestrade
Well done mann e, well done. You are deserved carnival kings.
The runners-up, the West London All Stars, gave them a run for their money and have proven to be worthy opponents and one of the biggest klopse troupes that the fraternity has ever seen.
WORTHY OPPONENTS: West London All Stars. Picture: Jack Lestrade
So Da Boss, we are looking forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve for the fifth anniversary.
I also want to congratulate Golden Gate on a well-played third.
THE NEW BOYS: Golden Gate. Picture: Jack Lestrade
The new kids on the block have definitely made their mark in a very tough section.
I do feel that Hip Hop Entertainers could have gotten better prizes, but that is a conversation for another day.
I can’t wait for the finals of Section 2 taking place this Saturday.