Kaapse Klopse Choral Competition: Minstrels Dazzle at Athlone Stadium
The Athlone Stadium was packed on Saturday January 24 for week 2 of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association’s (KKKA) Annual Kaapse Klopse Choral Competition.
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Athlone Stadium came alive with colour and rhythm on Saturday, January 24, with day three of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association’s (KKKA) Annual Kaapse Klopse Choral Competition.
Dedicated to section two's troupes, the third day of competition saw thousands of spectators gather to witness the performances and festive celebration.
Troupes competed in the Grand March Pass, Adult Male Sentimental, Adult Female Sentimental, Juvenile Sentimental, English Combined Chorus, and the famous Afrikaans Moppie/Comic Song.
Muneeb Gambeno, director at the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association, said the 2026 competition had already set a remarkable standard.
“This season has really delivered. The troupes came prepared, focused, and hungry to perform. You could hear it in the harmonies and see it in the precision. The growth we’ve witnessed so far shows how strong the Klopse movement is right now,” he said.
The West London All Stars were a crowd favourite bringing many of the supporters in the stands to their feet.
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Saturday’s programme featured a mix of established and youth development groups, with performances by Baruch Entertainers & TV Stars, Manenberg SuperStars, Mitchells Plain Young Tycoons, Carnival Boys Youth Development, Playaz Inc, West London All Stars, and Juvie Boy Entertainers.
Mr Gambeno praised the supporters who turned out in numbers to back their favourite troupes.
“The supporters brought the vibe. When the stands are full, and the people sing saam, it lifts every troupe on that field. We’ve already had standout highlights this season, from powerful juvenile performances to moppies that had the whole stadium laughing," he said.
"Day 3 was another reminder of why this competition means so much to our communities.”
Troupes dazzled the crowd with their marching displays during the Grand March Pass category.
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JP Smith, mayco member for safety and security, said: "The City of Cape Town is always proud to partner with the KKKA for its annual competitions. The City's support for the events is part of our contribution to preserving the culture and heritage for the next generation. It is always thrilling seeing all the troupes entertain and welcome the thousands of spectators at Athlone Stadium for a truly Cape Town tradition."
Anticipation is already building for Saturday, January 31, when section one troupes will compete in the section one finals, culminating in the crowning of a section one champion.
The 2026 Kaapse Klopse season will have its grand finale on Saturday, February 7, when the section two troupe winner will be announced, along with the overall winners of the season, bringing the klopse tradition to a close for the season.
Content creator, I am Iekie, representing the Playaz Inc troupe made an appearance for their teams Combine Chorus item.
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