Tributes, tears, and top tunes: this week’s Clash of the Choirs SA (COTCSA) had it all as six choirs vocally battled it out for the number one spot. The latest challenge pushed choirs to breathe new life into the music of departed African music icons – and they only had one day to get it ready.
Topping the episode’s COTCSA charts were Eastern Cape’s Team Lady Du. Their rendition of Sfiso Ncwane’s ‘Kulungile Baba’ was described as “just magical” by judge Buhlebendalo Mda, while Zwai Bala told the choir that their performance was moving.
Unfortunately, Team Prince Kaybee (Gauteng) were eliminated for their take on Hugh Masekela’s ‘Thanayi’, with Dr Tumi saying: “I’m not sure about how the leads blended together, but the song was nicely arranged.”
Northern Province’s Team Langa performed DJ Sumbody’s ‘Monate Mpolaye,’ impressing all three judges.
Zwai called it a “nice comeback” for the choir, praising their “vocal arrangement improvement”. Buhlebendalo was also pleased, saying: “I love that you entertained me this week. Thank you for captivating us.”
The choir were later placed in the bottom two.
Taking on Vuyo Mokoena’s ‘Avuleka Amazulu’ were Limpopo’s Team HLE, to mostly positive feedback.
While Dr Tumi said he always loved their performances, he had some critique: “The only thing that did not work was the lead, I felt it was out of place for the song.” Zwai echoed his sentiments: “I’m not gonna give you full marks today because everything has to be up there.”
Mpumalanga’s Team Khanyisa performed Oliver Mtukudzi’s ‘Todii’, to praise from judges.
Buhlebendalo said: “You guys are true performers. You’re not just singing. Your chemistry is beyond this competition.” Dr Tumi felt they gave the song new meaning to him: “I didn’t know what the song meant and you came and brought that message to life.”
Team Ntencane (KZN) closed off the show with a medley of AKA hits as a way to show that the province where he tragically lost his life would always honour him.
The judges were impressed, with Buhlebendalo saying: “I enjoyed it… Ntencane, you rapped so beautifully, it’s like you were performing at Moses Mabhida Stadium.” Dr Tumi was also in awe: “I love how you have a very different creative mind in how you arrange your songs.”
Judge Buhlebendalo had said earlier in the show: “As the competition gets higher and higher, the choirs get challenged on their creativity and how they view music.” With that in mind, how will the top five choirs face next week’s challenge in the road to the coveted R1-million prize?
Keep following the COTCSA journey to see who lives to sing another day, and whose dream of taking the top spot will come to an end.
Clash of the Choirs SA airs every Sunday at 18:00 on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161), with episodes also available on DStv Stream. Visit our website and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Join the conversation using #COTCSA.