When a choir takes the stage, it represents an entire community. Every note carries the work of countless rehearsals, the pride of its supporters and the hope of earning bragging rights until the next competition. At the Cape Malay Choir Board Choral Competition, the singing is serious business.
From 16 to 18 October, 18 choirs will compete in a contest that has been part of Cape Town’s cultural life for over 87 years. The coveted Silver Fez trophy is up for grabs, but each group also has its own reputation to defend.
This year’s line-up has plenty to talk about. The Cape Malay Choir Board (CMCB) has expanded from 12 affiliated choirs to 18, welcoming Aurum Male Choir and Gentlemen Malay Choir. Rio Oranjes Sing Koor is also back after a period of inactivity, giving its supporters a welcome reason to return to the stands.
Three other groups have affiliated with the board: Young West Ministers Sporting Club, Locals Sing Koor and Young Caballeros Sporting Club. Their arrival reflects the continued appeal of a tradition that has connected generations of singers across Cape Town.
A competition where every voice counts
Expect some sizeable choirs on stage. Several groups are preparing to perform with over 100 members at a time, with young singers accounting for a substantial share of their ranks. That brings fresh talent into a competition where experience, discipline and a strong sense of belonging all play their part.
The preparation extends well beyond memorising lyrics. Choirs spend months refining vocal arrangements and rehearsing their movements. Their matching suits receive just as much attention, with carefully tailored outfits adding to the spectacle when each group steps into the spotlight.
The repertoire draws on Cape Town’s history, including the experiences of enslaved communities whose cultural contributions remain part of the city’s identity. Traditional Afrikaans folk songs feature alongside the Dutch-language Nederlands Lied. The result connects audiences with a musical heritage that continues to be practised and passed down today.
Then there is the competition itself. Supporters arrive with loyalties of their own, and every choir has a community eager to see its singers perform at their best. A strong showing earns recognition on the day and gives fans something to talk about long after the final notes.
Who is competing this year?
The 18 participating choirs are divided into three sections.
Section One features Locals Sing Koor, Caballeros Sporting Club, Suburban LG Boys Sporting Club, Boarding Boys Sporting Club, Villagers Sporting Club and Rangers Sporting Club.
Section Two includes Gentlemen Malay Choir, West Ministers Sporting Club, Primrose Malay Vocal Choir, Angeliere Sing Koor, Young Men Sporting Club and Ottoman Sporting Club.
Section Three features Aurum Male Choir, Rio Oranjes Sing Koor, Jonge Studente, Parkdales, Marines Sporting Club and Manhattans Sing Koor.
With established groups, new affiliates and a returning favourite in the line-up, this year’s contest gives audiences plenty of choirs to watch.
When can you attend?
The competition runs from 16 to 18 October. The programme on 16 October lasts approximately five hours, including intervals. On 17 and 18 October, each day’s programme runs for around six and a half hours, including intervals.
There is no age restriction, so the event welcomes audiences across generations.
The Cape Malay Choir Board Choral Competition offers a chance to hear a living part of Cape Town’s cultural heritage in its own setting. For the singers, the months of work lead to a few hours under the lights. For their supporters, every performance is a chance to cheer their choir on and see its name earn recognition.
Buy tickets at Webtickets.
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