Clash of the Choirs

Clash of the Choirs SA (COTCSA) gave us another week of heavenly harmonies and dramatic outcomes as the competition entered its third live performance – challenging the choirs to show their creativity and versatility. 

Unfortunately, it was the end of the road for Team Vusi Nova and the Western Cape, whose take on Savuka’s Asimbonanga and Beatenberg’s Pluto failed to impress the judges. 

This week, COTCSA season 4 musical director Zadok challenged the choirmasters and their choirs to an era mashup: bridging together songs from different eras and genres into one cohesive and smart performance. 

From kwela to kwaito and from gospel to musical jive, it was an episode of memorable showings from the various choirs. 

The night’s opener came from Team Khanyisa (Mpumalanga), who mashed up Boom Shaka’s It’s About Time with Zanda Zakuza’s Afrika. Dr Tumi said: “The only issue was the pitching of the lead vocalists, but apart from that, well done.” 

They later landed in the bottom three. 

Next was Limpopo’s Team HLE, who performed Mbongeni Ngema’s Stimela SaseZola and Liquid Deep’s BBM. Buhlebendalo Mda had praise: “Your choir are so pleasant to listen to. Even if they sang a very rough song, we would still hear the sweetness from it.” 

Last week’s winners, Free State’s Team Zaza, took on Shwi Nomtekhala’s Ngafa and DJ Maphorisa & Daliwonga’s Izolo. Zwai Bala said: “That was dynamic and explosive – it had everything. Thank you for taking yourselves seriously.” 

Eastern Cape’s Team Lady Du performed Mango Groove’s Special Star and Shekhinah’s Back to the Beach, with Dr Tumi saying: “I loved the leads – you guys brought your A-game. I think you really held the song together.”

The choir later rounded up the bottom three. 

Next up was Team Prince Kaybee (Gauteng), with Miriam Makeba’s Pata Pata and Master KG’s Jerusalema. Buhlebendalo was impressed, saying: “I feel like I’m watching the finale when it comes to your presentation.” 

Team Ntencane (KZN) took on Letta Mbulu’s Not Yet Uhuru and Uhuru & Oskido’s Y-Tjukutja. Despite praise from the other judges, Zwai said: “The lead could have come out a lot stronger – [remember] you’re telling a story. It needed more drama.” 

Closing off the show was Team Langa (Northern Cape), who took on Mafikizolo’s Emlanjeni and Inkabi Zezwe’s Umbayimbayi. “Bathong lena! I never knew Inkabi Zezwe could do marabi. You had me. Thank you for the performance,” said an enthused Buhlebendalo. 

Which choirs will give epic performances to stay in the game, and who will lose their chance at winning the R1-million prize next week? Tune in to Clash of the Choirs SA to find out!

Clash of the Choirs SA airs every Sunday at 18:00 on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161), with episodes also available on DStv Stream.