The Cape Malay choir competitions started off with a bang at the Bellville Velodrome on Saturday.
The venue is perhaps not ideal but the competition is still as tough as usual.
After a long klopse season of backtracks it was a delight to hear the sounds of banjos, guitars and live strings on the ear.
The competition got off to a shaky start with Shafiek April, the president of the Cape Malay Choir Board, welcoming the audience and apologising for the stage being set up incorrectly.
But Mr April and his team of directors cannot be blamed for this as they had given the instructions which were simply not followed through by staff.
It was my first time at the Velodrome and I can assure you that with regards to acoustics, this venue is not suited for Malay choirs.
Unfortunately, City Hall is being revamped, so is not available for this season. The City of Cape Town said renovations should be completed well before next season, though.
On the plus side, the Velodrome does seem as if it will seat much more people than City Hall.
NO.1: Tauriq Abrahams, first place Nederlands
On Saturday night, the teams came out in full swing, once again this year is producing a few surprises, just like with klopse.
There are new kids on the Malay choir block in the form of Legends Singkoor.
The choir boasts the likes of maestro Camillo Lombard who has taken up the role of musical director at Legends.
The team stepped on stage neatly attired and kicked off the season with a combine chorus dedicated to the late MC of the CMCB, boeta Rashaad.
The lyrical content of this song, sung to the tune of Old Danny Boy, was descriptive of the man and his nature.
It was quite emotional for the team as one of the Legends’ members is the brother of the much-loved late MC.
It’s always exciting for me to listen to a new combine, especially one that describes our culture, because nowadays most combine choruses are taken straight out of the new Apostolic notebooks.
Saturday’s harmonies were mesmerising and the musical accompaniment was breathtaking, earning the team a second prize in this category.
But it was the Young Men Singkoor, who won the combine chorus and the competition on the night, who showcased exactly why the team is celebrating 80 years in this fraternity.
It is wonderful for me to watch the growth of moppie singer Imraan Van Nelson (Imo V) of Young Men.
This was the first year that he not only performed the moppie but also wrote it.
From where I was sitting it was rhythmic, dynamic and comical.
Welcome to moppie writing, Imo V, in my opinion you are destined to be one of the greats of your generation.
WINNER: Imo V took the moppie crown
It was also good to see that all the teams had junior solos, this is mostly because the age of juvenile sentimental has now been upped to 14, and the CMCB deserves much praise for this decision.
This item has moulded many great voorsingers in the past, many have transitioned from juvenile sentimental to Nederland singers, moppie singers, adult sentimentals and even coaches.
Just the sound of an innocent child singing in that pure Malay slang and tone is enough to move the heartstrings of any Cape Malay choir supporter.
My only problem though is these kids should also count for points in order for them to feel like they are contributing to the choir; but this is just a suggestion.
All three of the juveniles sang beautifully on Saturday.
Legends won the adult sentimental, also bringing a new singer to the table who effortlessly sang his way to the first prize.
He is what we call a bunker, someone you can depend on in the top 10 competitions to go and get that first prize, but let’s wait and see.
In other news, Sunday’s competitions were shut down by the Strelitzia singkoor who swept Section 2 completely, bagging all the first prizes.
This now puts them in a strong position as contenders for the coveted Silver Fez.
With that said, the season is up and running, it’s as exciting as ever and once the logistics at the Velodrome is sorted, then I’m sure we’re in for a treat.
Well done to the Cape Malay Choir Board for doing a stunning job so far, from here it’s onwards and upwards.