Cape Town – January 2026 – Athlone Stadium came alive with colour, rhythm and unmistakable Klopse gees on Saturday, 24 January 2026, as the City of Cape Town proudly hosted Day 3 of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association’s (KKKA) Annual Kaapse Klopse Choral Competition.
Dedicated to Section 2 troupes, the third day of competition delivered a powerful showcase of talent, discipline and cultural pride, with thousands of spectators gathering to witness a full day of stirring performances and festive celebration. From emotional sentimental items to crowd-pleasing moppies, the stadium echoed with applause from start to finish.
Troupes competed across the following categories:
● Grand March Pass
● Adult Male Sentimental
● Adult Female Sentimental
● Juvenile Sentimental
● English Combined Chorus
● Afrikaans Moppie / Comic Song
Gates opened at 9am, with performances commencing at 12:00pm, and audiences filling the stands early to soak up the atmosphere and secure prime positions. Entry was facilitated through P1, P2 and P3 turnstiles, ensuring smooth access throughout the day.
Reflecting on the season so far, 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.”
Saturday’s programme featured an exciting 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, all contributing to a day filled with high energy and proud moments.
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. Day 3 was another reminder of why this competition means so much to our communities.”
The event was hosted in partnership with the City of Cape Town, with ongoing support from the Western Cape Government, a collaboration that continues to play a vital role in safeguarding and growing the Kaapse Klopse tradition.
JP Smith, Mayco member Safety and Security, says: “The City of Cape Town’s 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.”
Gambeno shares: “Our partnership with the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government remains incredibly important. Their support allows us to present these competitions with dignity and structure, while creating platforms for cultural expression, youth development and heritage preservation.”
As the competition now heads into its most decisive phase, anticipation is already building for Saturday, 31 January, when Section 1 troupes will compete in the Section 1 Finals, culminating in the crowning of a Section 1 champion.
The 2026 Kaapse Klopse season will reach its grand finale on Saturday, 7 February, when the Section 2 troupe winner will be announced, alongside the overall winners of the season: marking the culmination of months of dedication and proud Klopse tradition.
With the music still ringing and the memories fresh, one thing remains clear: the Kaapse Klopse spirit is alive and stronger than ever.