The traditional Kaapse Klopse and Malay choirs may have been silenced during the Covid-19 pandemic because of the restrictions placed on gatherings but the spirit of Cape Cultural music and performance will once again come to life with Jive Culture Shock.
For those of you who missed it last year or not quite sure what it’s about, Jive Culture Shock is an online cultural show which showcases both the Kaapse Klopse and the Malay choirs.
It is unorthodox Malay choirs and minstrels placed on a professional stage, complete with costumes and choreography for moppies and they do not limit themselves.
It is unorthodox in that teams are allowed two or more voorsingers, and blends mainstream brands with cultural brands.
The show is produced by Oddball Concepts in conjunction with Jive, HeartFM and many other sponsors.
The first edition of Jive Culture Shock was well received and gave a sense of hope to the minstrel fraternity during the pandemic.
Although it was showcased online, we as the public who love the sound of banjos and guitars and the ghoema, got the chance to hear that sound in the comfort of our own homes.
This is much needed right now as we make our way through the third wave of Covid.
This year, a few changes have been made to enhance the show and add value to the performances of all the teams.
Spokesperson Ayesha Abrahams says: “Added to this year’s production team is our MD Tauriq Blignaut backed up by band master Brett Edwards who will steer our awesome 10 piece band.
“Then we have mentors that will help the teams achieve their full potential on stage, with Tashreeq De Villiers facilitating stage performances, Kyle Stuurman helping with choreography and Sam Crouch facilitating vocal training.”
The competition format will also be different to the first season.
Abrahams says that this year’s competition will see episodes 1, 2 and 3 showcasing the new and innovative take on cultural performances, with two 20 minute cultural productions going up against each other in each episode.
She says that the winner of each episode has an added advantage in the finale as these points will carry over.
The fourth episode (or the finale) will showcase all six teams performing both a traditional Nederlands and English Comic song, performed and judged with more traditional criteria.
In the first season of Culture Shock, we also saw lots of celebrity judges like Mark Lottering, David Kramer, Emo Adams and some of our legends such Boeta Maan Adams, Terry Fortune and Amien Vardien, and this season is going to be no different.
The judges are still to be announced because there are some changes there as well.
It’s a new season so expect a lot of lekker changes as the Oddball team seeks to improve on their concept.
The audience is able to participate in choosing their favourite teams by designating a percentage of their ticket purchase to their favourite team.
These options will be available online at Webtickets.co.za.
In the event of a tie, the tie breaker will be based on the amount of tickets that team sold.
Tickets will be available to purchase in September.
With that said, I am looking forward to some exciting performances and at this very difficult time, a dose of Cape Cultural music is just what we all need.
It is also good to know that job opportunities are being created for local cultural performers, singers, musicians and coaches.
Jive Culture Shock will help keep the culture of klopse and Malay choirs relevant until such a time when we all can go and jol our hearts out in the Cape Town Street Parade.
Goodluck to the Oddball Team.
dailyvoice@inl.co.za