I am always excited to see the culture of klopse and Malay choirs evolve and this is what the Jive Culture Shock is to fans.
The producers, Oddball Concepts, have helped the culture to remain relevant with the first online season last year and now they intend to take it to the next level with small innovations to the format this year.
Unlike last season, where each team came in and performed their items, this year every team must come up with a 25-minute production, which now means that teams can also add drama to their act, which should push them into a 25-minute cultural musical.
This is difficult to imagine right now as it will be the first of its kind in a competition format, so that is definitely something to look forward to already.
Oddball Concepts has provided teams with mentors, musical directors and creative directors to ensure that every team reaches the same standard because, in the end, it’s not about competition, but about presenting a production that the paying audiences can feel satisfied and happy with.
Faghrie Abrahams, spokesperson for the Jive Culture Shock, says it’s important for people to also understand that when they make their vote and purchase their ticket for the team, a portion of the monies will go towards the teams, so it’s imperative for them to support because it will directly benefit their team.
One such team is The Cape Kings who hail from Hanover Park and Salt River.
The Cape Kings spokesperson Shameeg Kemp says “ons het decide om die Jive Culture shock te join want honestly, dit is die enigste platform available waar die manne kan gaan en die culture van ons te showcase”.
The Cape Kings is a young team and the older members are more involved in the running and coaching of the group.
They are super-excited about their Nederlandslied that is being coached by Kemp himself, and being sung by seasoned performer Ikeraam Cupido.
On the moppie, they have sourced the services of Imtiyaaz Hill, who is coaching and performing the moppie song for them.
Kemp says: “It has been difficult for us who love this culture to accept that there isn’t a platform because over the years we have become attached to this culture and this is why we are participating.”
The Cape Kings range in age from 18 to 32.
He also says that they are excited about this new format and that there are separate coaches, which is different for them, but also exciting and new.
In this tough time of Covid, we have to recognise and acknowledge the people who help make this possible, says Kemp, and extend many thanks to all the individuals involved, namely: production coaches Yazeed Sadien, Imtiyaaz Hill, Riyaad Lakay and senior management Abdullah Osman, Sharief Allie, Thulfaqaar Hassan and Nabil Abrahams.
The Cape Kings look forward to competing in the Culture Shock competition and by doing so, they hope that it will help to keep the culture of Malay choirs and klopse relevant long after the pandemic is over.
With that said, go out and support the Cape Kings by purchasing your ticket on Quicket and by voting for them.
The Jive Culture Shock will go live on 6 November and every Saturday after that in the month of November, so excited times ahead.
Although the judges choose a winner on the night, you still get to vote and all teams will proceed to the finale where they will battle it out with the moppie and Nederlandslied.
It’s important to make a contribution as you will help the Oddball Concept team to preserve our heritage and culture by simply buying a link.
dailyvoice@inl.co.za