The KKKA Kaapse Klopse Voorsmakie kicks off minstrels season in spectacular fashion ahead of the 2026 Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade

GLM TEAM December 21, 2025

The KKKA Kaapse Klopse Voorsmakie dazzled Cape Town audiences at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday, giving attendees a vibrant preview of the 2026 Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade, set to light up the streets on Monday 5, January 2026.

The Voorsmakie which took place alongside the Festive Fair featuring the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas, showcased 16 minstrel troupes while unfolding as a full-scale celebration of Cape culture, music and community, transforming the racecourse into a summer festival destination rather than a traditional race day. Thousands of spectators witnessed the dynamic choreographed routines and colourful attire in the festive atmosphere as the troupes gave a glimpse of the lively performances that define Cape Town’s cultural heritage.

As afternoon gave way to evening, the energy reached new heights when the KKKA Kaapse Klopse Voorsmakie took centre stage. In a dazzling display of music, movement and heritage, more than 8 000 performers arrived in more than 90 buses ready to parade along the track filling the venue with sequins, brass bands, harmonies and choreographed precision.

The KKKA Kaapse Klopse Voorsmakie offered spectators a powerful preview of the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade, set to take over the city streets on 5 January 2026 in Somerset Road Greenpoint, drawing crowds to the railings as the troupes deliver a kaleidoscope of colour and sound.

Advertisements

Rooted in the mid-19th century within Cape Malay communities, the Kaapse Klopse tradition has evolved from early slave celebrations into one of South Africa’s most vibrant cultural expressions, blending music, dance and elaborate costumes in the annual Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade – or “Tweede Nuwe Jaar” as it was previously known amongst the Cape Malay community.

“Today is really our coming out for the season,” said Muneeb Gambeno, a Director of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA). “The Voorsmakie allows the troupes to show their colours, their music and what they will offer for the season. For the first time, we see what each troupe brings, and that excitement is powerful for both performers and the public.”

He added that the event plays a vital role beyond performance alone.

“Klopse has always been about harmony,” Gambeno said during the live broadcast. “For decades, it has allowed community-based clubs to play the role they should play in society. We’re keeping youth off the streets, empowering them, educating them and creating togetherness.”

“Klopse has become super competitive, but at its heart it remains about community,” Gambeno said. “These troupes are active throughout the year. They keep youth off the streets, they educate, they empower and they create harmony. This tradition has always played a role far bigger than the carnival itself.”

Evolution of the Klopse

This year marks the fourth year in the partnership between the KKKA and Hollywoodbets, an alliance that continues to promote the heritage of the minstrel community.

“What people often don’t see is that these troupes are active all year round,” Gambeno said.

“They are community clubs, activists in their own right, and when the Cape Town Street Parade happens, you suddenly understand the importance of both the big troupes and the family-run community troupes.”

“This partnership has allowed our tradition not only to continue, but to grow,” Gambeno added. “Tradition has to evolve. Fifteen years ago you would see much smaller bands, banjos and goombas. Today, you see precision marching bands, but you still hear the ghoema beat. That balance is how tradition survives beyond our lifetime.”

“Culture has to evolve. By creating spaces like this, we show young people that tradition can move forward with them, while still honouring where it comes from.”

“The combination of the Festive Fair and the Klopse Voorsmakie reflects our commitment to creating inclusive, vibrant experiences that celebrate Cape Town’s culture while building momentum into the rest of the summer season,” said Devin Heffer, Brand and Communications Manager for Hollywoodbets.

Participating Kaapse Klopse Troupes

A total of 16 Kaapse Klopse troupes took part in the Voorsmakie, representing communities across the Cape Flats and beyond, and reflecting the rich diversity of the minstrel tradition. These included established powerhouse troupes alongside community-based and youth development groups:

● Original D6 Hanover Minstrels

● Mitchells Plain Young Tycoons

● Phantoms Community Development

● Ashwin Willemse Orient Community Development

● Young Wild Comanches

● Manenberg Superstars

● Carnival Boys Youth Development (also known as Crystal Palace)

● Wild Apache

● Playaz Inc

● Baruch Entertainers

● CPT Hawkers

● Juvie Boy Entertainers

● West London All Stars

● TV Stars

● Last Tomahawks

● Fabulous Seawind Entertainers

Together, the troupes delivered a powerful showcase of music, movement and costume, underlining the role of the Voorsmakie as both a cultural celebration and a bridge between communities ahead of the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade. “Once again, it showcased the depth of young talent in South African racing,” shared Gambeno.

A Cultural Celebration

Building on the success of this event, the excitement now turns to the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade on 5 January 2025. Up to 100 000 spectators are expected to gather along the route, which starts in Somerset Road, Green Point. This year the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade will continue into the DHL Stadium, where Day 1 of the KKKA Kaapse Klopse Competition will begin. Items such as Road March, Best Dressed, Senior Drum Major, Junior Drum Major and Klopse Jol, which will be on display, are expected to draw the crowds as they cheer on their favourite troupes.

Upcoming Events to Watch

The minstrel festivities don’t stop there. The highly anticipated Athlone Stadium kick-off on Saturday 10, January drawing weekly audiences of 20 000 people every Saturday. After taking a break for the weekend of 17 January, the Klopse festivities continue from 24 January weekly until 7 February 2025.