Section two of the Kaapse Klopse Karnivaal Association’s competition at Athlone Stadium is too tight to call.
The teams have all stepped up their game, particularly the smaller teams.
The items on display on Saturday was the English Moppie, Afrikaans Combine, Adult Female and Adult Sentimental.
On the Combine Chorus, the Kensington All Stars came out guns blazing with a heartfelt rendition of Die Ritme van die Kaap and followed this up with newcomer Isgak Gabriels, who gave a good performance on their English Moppie, titled Die Kung Fu Moffie.
I think with a bit more time and training, this lead singer of the Kensington All Stars could become one of the best voorsingers in the near future.
STRONG: Nur Abrahams in action. Photo: RIDHAA SEALE
The Fabulous Woodstock Starlites, who are celebrating 45 years in the minstrel game this year, also gave a good consistent performance for the second week running.
Their combines are clean and of a good standard and Shadley Schroeder has matured as their moppie lead singer, showcasing just why his career outside the minstrel fraternity is blooming.
The surprise team for the season on everybody’s lips is the team from Bishop Lavis.
It comes as no surprise to me, though, because when I saw the new coach and conductor, Boeta Noortjie vannie Elsies, I understood why people feel this way about this team.
This guy is simply one of the best in any item and plays klops with true passion and finesse. He once said to me: “Ek is die enigste man wat ’n wit skoen dra met my gear.”
In their arsenal they also have Nizaam “Zaampie” Singh, who is one of the best up and coming soloists in the business.
This is putting a lot of pressure on the top guns, who at times tend to forget about the smaller teams when it comes to talent.
Another dark horse in the race for the title, and who is doing particularly well on the moppie, is the Orients by Faa.
They have now for the second week in a row produced a new moppie and this time they ended off with a placard which read: “Guess who is going to Rio.”
The moppie had elements of theatre, but also showcased the Orients’ strength, the marching band exhibition, at the start of the moppie.
The two teams considered to be the top guns of this section Juvie Boys and District Six Raw, both gave performances of a high standard, but was it enough to blow away the competition? I’m not too sure.
Nur Abrahams and Edith Plaatjies, who put in an appearance on the Adult Sentimental and Adult Female categories respectively for the Juvies, both gave strong performances.
The Juvie’s Combine Chorus left me speechless.
It was shockingly good and the singpak is simply phenominal.
OUTSTANDING: Ghakeem Roman . Photo: RIDHAA SEALE
The Juvie’s coach and musical director on this item, Ameer Williams, is a breath of fresh air. Their moppie song was nostalgic, and Ghakeem Roman was outstanding, doing five characters.
I felt at first the piece lacked originality, but then realised this is not a requirement in the criteria for the English Moppie.
The final performance came from District Six Raw from Bo-kaap.
The team is showcasing a strong fighting spirit this season, with their head coach, Ziyaad Hattas, writing two original combines.
This time he sang two Afrikaans combines, speaking out against drug abuse.
To many people, his Adult Sentimental was suspect, not because he didn’t sing it well, but I think they did not know the song.
I, however, loved it.
On the moppie for the Ses was Mujaahid Isaacs, currently the youngest coach in the game at the age of 19.
He is unpredictable and brave and although many did not connect with his rock comic tribute, it was uniquely different.
A definite rising star.
All the teams did well and section two is tight as nails. This one is going down to the last day as anything can happen.