“ Het julle Playaz se jingle squad gesien? Yoh, daai mense is annie brand!”
This was the talk going around after last season’s Cape Town Street Parade, hosted by the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association.
The team known as Playaz Inc took the klops fraternity by storm in their first year, adding a new dimension with a jingle squad that moved side to side in sync while still holding a beat.
Following their successful road march, it was said that the Playaz won’t be a fly-by-night klops; they made a statement and they are here to stay.
They did well in the carnival competition, ending off their first season in third place, much to the delight of the players and their supporters, and jolled out of Athlone Stadium as if they had won the carnival.
I recently got more insight into the team from their PR Officer, Ramees Cassiem, who told me that the Playaz are coming in harder this year and will focus on the items in which they previously lacked.
COMING IN HARDER: Ramees Cassiem. Picture: Supplied.
But, he says, Playaz was not established to prove a point to anybody.
The founders saw a need in the greater Mitchells Plain where not everyone was represented, especially in the poorer areas.
Cassiem says a partnership was formed, and it was then decided to aid the community by means of feeding schemes, food parcels, sanitary towel drives, and, of course, establishing events and programs to uplift the mense.
They then realised they would need a vehicle for all of this, and he says a klopse troupe was the perfect way to mobilise this dream, because everyone loves the minstrels.
Cassiem says while it was their first time competing last season, they had set high standards and ideals for themselves and were not completely happy with their performance.
Since then they’ve been implementing positive changes which he believes will help take the team to the next level.
After seeing the Playaz’s road march and klopse jo l, I expected them to bring it on the singing items as well but it was not to be.
Cassiem says they feel the same way, hence they have replaced their coaches and are happy to reveal that Mubariek Alexandre has been signed to coach their combines.
FINE TUNE: The klops is planning to improve on their singing items. Picture: Supplied.
This can only be positive as Mubariek is very experienced and has “an ear for music”.
He has worked with some of Cape Town’s top choirs and is also a former carnival winner.
On the moppie, the Playaz have acquired the services of Adil Dante, who also has a tremendous background in music.
Adil was the golden boy of juvenile sentimental from day one, and also played Broetjie in David Kramer’s last remake of District Six The Musical, which is a very challenging role.
Since then, he’s become known for his comical antics in his viral Boebe Aand song, which does the rounds on social media every 15de pwasa.
Adil also has a fine ear when it comes to harmonies and I have heard rumours that he comes up with and records his own harmonies in studio.
NEW ERA: Mubariek Alexandre and Adil Dante will help Playaz grow. Picture: Supplied.
Cassiem says: “We have also asked these two massive talents to do our group song and what they have come up with thus far is giving us goosebumps.
“We paid our school fees last season so ons kommie om ons tyd te waste nie, ons kom om te compete.”
The troupe’s slogan this year is “Seeing is Believing”.
They have already launched their tracksuit and it can be purchased at Highlands Primary School.
Also be sure to join Playaz Inc for a family braai day on 29 September. Check out their Facebook page for more details.
With that said, it’s always lekker to see the new teams pushing hard and showing intent to be the next Carnival Kings.
It is also refreshing and inspiring to hear that klops can bring positive change in our communities, so keep up the great work, ouens. We look forward to seeing what you have in store, because seeing is believing.