The gathering and performing of the Cape Minstrels and Malay Choirs is one of the most treasured traditions in Cape Town.
In the pandemic, many of these traditions were forced to be put on hold and take on the new motto - Adapt or die.
The Jive Culture Shock musical production is presenting the talents of the Cape minstrels and Malay Choirs by hosting their music production online this year.
The festival, which will see six teams competing over three weeks, opted for a safer alternative of cultural expression.
Taurik Blignaut is a man who wears many hats, some of which include sound engineer, songwriter, vocal trainer and composer. Blignaut comes from a musical family and is the musical director of this year’s production.
Blignaut said the pandemic meant not many people could partake as they used to.
“We have many annual celebrations that couldn’t take place, and it just doesn’t feel the same,” he said.
The musical director has been coaching in the minstrel industry for the last 20 years. He said having to do it online might be a better permanent option.
“I’m glad that we got the opportunity to be innovative around how we put on performances now,” he said.
He added: “Technology was always there, but we never utilised it. We might have gotten there eventually, but not as fast. Covid-19 sped up the process.”
In a pandemic where the elderly are especially vulnerable and at risk, Blignaut said they don’t need to leave their homes to enjoy the traditions of supporting the minstrels.
“They don’t need to sit at stadiums and in the wind anymore. I don’t think that we should ever stop hosting events online.”
Blignaut said it’s important that these traditions are kept alive because they bring community upliftment and job opportunities.
“This is where many people received their foundation in life. It keeps people off the streets and keeps us united; that’s what we need in these difficult times.”
Sam Crouch is a vocal trainer and coach to Malay choirs, who sometimes sings solo’s when asked. Crouch has been a coach since 2003 and has been involved in the choirs for the last 25 years.
Sam Crouch is a vocal trainer and coach to Malay choirs who sometimes sings solos when asked. Crouch has been a coach since 2003 and has been involved in the choirs for the last 25 years.
Crouch was introduced to Malay choirs through his dad growing up.
“It rubbed off on me because my brother was involved with the coons,” he said.
Crouch said life without the choirs performing just isn’t the same.
“This is in our blood. If there are no competitions or events to perform at, we feel lost,” he said.
The vocal coach said performing online is strange compared to performing for a crowd in person.
“This is different but it keeps us busy, and we are grateful to be able to perform again.”
Crouch said it’s important to preserve the culture they've celebrated for so many years.
“There’s a lot of fun, banter and rivalry involved, and we need to keep this alive because it is our legacy.”
The Jive Culture Shock production will stream online every Saturday during November. Tickets can be purchased on Quicket. For more information, check out the Jive Culture Shock Facebook page.