The Keep The Dream Malay Choir Board hosted the Naziem Benjamin Cup on Saturday at the Athlone Civic.
Die ding het geruk with the top 8 Malay Choirs of KTD putting up a massive display of Malay Choir singing.
I loved that all the items felt raw, the moppie had an authentic feel and the lead singers seemed free om mal te speel, much to the delight of the audience.
When I asked the treasurer, Mr Benjamin Bucks aka “Hadjie Bucks”, why it seems like the lead singers on the moppie are dominating the item more than the singpak, he replied: “Ons allow nie vir hulle om weg te kom van die tradition af nie.”
TREASURER: Mr Benjamin Bucks
Another thing that stood out for me is the fact that combine coaches are allowed to stand in front of the choirs and conduct the item.
This seemed a bit strange to me, but it helped the choirs to sing to their full potential.
It also gave the audience an opportunity to be inside the klopskamer and this added an authentic dimension to the combine chorus on the day.
TRADITION: Coaches conducted their teams
In the past we have lost many great combine coaches without the public ever knowing who they were, because coaches didn’t conduct on stage.
This initiative, taken by Keep The Dream, will highlight and showcase the coaches and help to preserve their memory and legacy.
The solo item, although won by opera singer James Bhemgee of Norwoods, still felt authentic to me.
BEST SOLO: Opera singer James Bhemgee
Mr. Bhemgee is the only operatic singer who, to a degree, still stays true to the Malay Choir style of singing.
The event felt like a tribute to all involved when the MC, Cassiem Andrews, announced that he would make mention of all the lead singers, the coaches and the writers by name, making each one shine in their own right.
I believe that this gesture, too, will add value in the maintenance of the legacy of these great individuals.
PASSIONATE: Nadeem Diempie performing
There is a strong connection between the KTD board and the people who attended.
Nobody complained and Anwar Gambeno, the president of the KTD Board, made it clear that all decisions made by the judges are final.
He called on the audience and participants to accept this, which they did.
He said the board was just there for the upliftment of the Malay Choir culture and the community at large.
“So vat julle trophies, gaan jol lekker en kyk Donderdag of julle photos innie (Daily) Voice is,” he quipped.
NO.1: Tashreeq of Starlites won the Nederlands
Now that is the spirit of our beautiful culture.
Congratulations to all the winners on the night: Young Hearts won the first prize Moppie, Norwoods the first prize Solo, Starlites the first prize Nederlands, and Tulips Male Choir took the first prize for the Combine item, with Riverside Roses taking the overall highest points.
Slamat to all.