The month of Ramadaan is now safely behind us and it’s time to make yet another cultural shift that Cape Town is internationally renowned for.
Yes people, the Kaapse klopse season is on our doorstep and klopskamers are about to open.
I have a feeling that just like every other year, the magic that is the carnival competition will be going up another level, meaning all teams will be digging deep to haal uit en wys.
Many people are not aware that there is much more to the culture of klops than what you see on Tweede Nuwe Jaar.
It’s a proper sport that has to be maintained throughout the year and every klopse team has a special meeting place where they rehearse and refine their items.
The klopskamer is a safe haven for many and also a place of learning.
The moppie, combine and band coaches are employed to get the teams ready six months in advance, for competition that takes place in January and February.
We are about more than just the Tweede Nuwe Jaar and other road marches.
In fact, that is just the starting point to a massive season of Cape Malay choral and cultural singing.
The teams compete in 17 items throughout the carnival and in the end, one is crowned the carnival king. For me it’s the new stuff that has been introduced to the game that gets me excited.
Social media is definitely playing a major role in the success of the carnival and the momentum of klops.
The Kaapse klopse se goedjies on Facebook is another add-on that I love.
DEFENDING CHAMPS: West London All Stars
Already, you can see certain teams coming up with clever slogans and expressions.
Following their bosberaad, the Juvie Boys posted on Facebook “think out of the bos”.
The team also made clear their intentions with regards to their singing, with Yusuf Gester hinting at a new expression, “the year of the ear”.
Having a memorable expression is important to the modern klops game because a simple saying - like Baruch in jou oeg, from Baruch Entertainers - becomes part of your brand.
The Carnival Kings of 2019, West London All Stars, who last season dazzled with the expression “ons kom deur soes donnerweer” have also released their sêding for the new season.
It goes, “ons gie nie krag weg nie”, meaning that unlike Eskom and their infernal load shedding, this team won’t be giving their power away.
These type of expressions makes for lekker back and forth banter between the teams and add a new dimension to the game.
It is innovative and modern and plays a vital role in motivating supporters and making them feel like they also play a role in the branding of the team.
Who could foresee that we would have public relations teams to build our klopse brands and move this culture into the 21st century.
I cannot wait to hear the new slogans for this coming season and will share it with you once they have been released.
With that said, good luck with the season ahead and to everyone who is opening their klopskamers on Sunday.
May it be filled with joy and excitement and mag dit vol wees.