I’m certain the expression ‘Baruch in jou oeg’ is still in the back of the mind of every single klopse supporter since last season.
The new kids on the block, Baruch Entertainers, are working hard to take their game to the next level and have made it known that they intend to build on last season’s success, which saw them winning Section 1 of the Kaapse Klopse Karnivaal Association (KKKA) competition.
The minstrel troupe was simply magnificent in every department, from the road march to the group song, and really made a massive name for themselves with regards to this culture.
Mr. Claude Jonas, director of Baruch Entertainers, says: “If people were wowed last season by our English combine Jerusalem, dan gaan hulle faint die jaar for what we have up our sleeve.
“Our singpak is ready and our coach Monwa Mbambane is in top form and has once again outdone himself.”
Mr. Jonas says Baruch Entertainers play for every item and mense can expect to see an even bigger team come Tweede Nuwe Jaar.
With regards to their moppie, Imo Van Nelson is their voorsinger while Baruch has acquired the coaching services of Ashur Petersen, who is fresh off winning the Top 8 Malay choir moppie category.
All their choreography will be taken off by Zakes Nkosi and Ricardo Julie.
The credit for the magnificent Baruch brass band goes to Carlton Adams, Laeeq Stewart, Kyle Daniels and Lorenzo Edwards.
They are a brilliant team and contribute towards the musicality and spirit of Baruch.
It is clear Baruch is not a fly by night team and they intend to stay around for a very long time.
Mr.Jonas is clear when he says: “The success of Baruch Entertainers is not solely because of me but because we have a fantastic board of directors in Warren Ruiters, Oscar Cornelius and our community leaders of Elsies River, William Cornelius and Rochelle Kota and the working committee, who are all involved in running the Baruch Entertainers School of Music and other community initiatives.
The school is based at Eldene Primary in Elsies River and kids are not only taught how to play instruments but also how to read music.
Mr. Jonas says it is important for him and his board to have the parents involved as the school is about far more than just music.
Kids are also taught life skills and discipline and anyone who wishes to join is welcome.
Speaking to Mr. Jonas, I could pick up that he did not start the klops to win a carnival, but to create a vehicle that can make a positive impact in his community.
Mr. Jonas says: “Hulle skiet laaities elke dag and Baruch’s intention is to present an alternative option for our kids, a better choice than to becoming a gangster.”
The Baruch Entertainers are also involved in Tehilla House, a substance abuse and drug rehabilitation centre in the area.
“We work hand in hand with the centre and this is the kind of initiative that we pride ourselves in,” says Mr. Jonas.
“For us this is better than winning a first prize English combine, knowing that we are striving to make a positive impact on our children’s lives on a daily basis and not only during klopse season.”
Baruch Entertainers start all their community programmes as soon as the klopse season is done, running their projects from March to December.
Corporate entities have started to take note and recently Baruch appeared on kykNET’s talk show, Tussen Ons.
The minstrel team was also sponsored with 100 Yamaha flutes and reading material by the New Apostolic Church of South Africa.
This team is innovative so it’s no surprise that they’ve also found a kwaai way to reveal their gear for the season.
Baruch Entertainers have partnered with Odd Ball Concepts on the theatre production “Satin to Sequins” running at the Baxter this November.
This will be the first time in the history of klops that a gear will be debuted in the Baxter and as part of a show.
Tickets for the opening night of “Satin to Sequins” are available from Baruch Entertainers. Please call 081 004 0644, 073 950 4465 or 072 440 4455.
The tagline of the show is ‘more than just a minstrel’ and I think that is a perfect way to describe what Baruch Entertainers are all about.
Check out their website, www.baruchentertainers.co.za.