The Kensington All Stars say they are coming for this klopse season’s coveted title of Carnival Kings.
The Kensington-based team, which hasn’t made the top five for the past three years, say they have set their sights high and are looking to make a jump all the way to the top by winning the carnival.
Team manager, Robert Oliphant, says this year the team isn’t here to make up the numbers but are here to compete.
“Our expression for this year is ‘ons maak jou nerves kla’,” he says.
“We have employed good coaches this season, not only for their ability but also for their loyalty and commitment.”
Their coaching staff boasts the likes of Eddy Atherton and Sugar Rada on combine, both of whom are masters of the choral singing trade.
INNIE GEES: Kensington All Stars team manager Robert Oliphant. Picture: Supplied.
Shameegh Kemp is also involved on the singing items and is highly experienced when it comes to harmonies and tone, with years of practice in both klops and Malay choirs.
Taking these additions into consideration, along with their determination, one can see the Kensington All Stars mean business and should not be taken for granted this season.
On the moppie, they have the comedic talent of Naadier “Broetjie” Adams, who is fresh off his one-man show, titled Just Broetjie.
Naadier has sung at almost every big klops in the fraternity. He has quite a few first prizes behind his name and has proven himself as one of the best moppie singers of his generation.
Oliphant says they are very happy to have Broetjie on board and believe he is the perfect candidate to help them make a significant impact on the moppie item.
Klops is all colourful fun and games but it is good to know that the Kensington All Stars are also involved within the community as well.
Oliphant points out: “The troupe has the social responsibility of handing out soup at 6th Avenue clinic every day.
“We also have a new youth development initiative where we teach kids to play instruments and everyone from any community is welcome.”
FUNNYMAN: Naadier ‘Broetjie’ Adams is the team’s moppie star. Picture: Supplied.
He says they are already 1200-strong so they will be a force to be reckoned with come Tweede Nuwejaar.
Oliphant says this team was established to draw in the community, especially the youth, but they are encouraging people from the surrounding areas to join so that everyone can reap the benefits of having a klops on their doorstep.
So feel free to go and join the team at their practice sessions, which take place on Sundays from 3pm at 5th Avenue, Kensington, where you will see their band going through their paces on the field.
The Kensington All Stars are also hosting a disco on 12 October at the 12th Avenue biker’s club.
For more information about the event you can call or WhatsApp Robert Oliphant on 072 573 4192.
With that said, in my opinion, the Kensington All Stars have always been a team that impacts on the carnival positively.
I was not even aware that they never placed in the top five, but if they were able to impact the carnival with a house that wasn’t completely sorted, then the other teams should definitely watch out this year.
They always had a lekke klopse jol and their marching squad should not be taken for granted at all.
The team is always in the best dressed category, looking like they put much thought into it and this is vital to any klops.
I feel like the Kensington All Stars can be tough competition this season because, when I think of their coaching and artist line-up, dan raak my nerves soema kla.