This was not just a competition about winners or losers – every single individual and Choir were victors in an amazing celebration and cultural explosion of melody and community togetherness.

 

This community project was managed by the Margate Centenary Committee and made possible by The Hibiscus Coast Municipality who financed the Margate Centenary Celebrations.  Added to this, the Centenary Committee received special allocations of funding from the Ugu District Municipality for specific legacy and community development projects.  The Centenary Choir Competition was one of these projects and was designed to expose and develop local talent in the area. 

 

The proceedings started with high choral standard being set by the Port Shepstone High School Mixed Choir.  Another highlight of the day was the top class performance by the Xolo Try Singers, Zamani Boys Choir and Zakhele Boys Choir which all resulted in standing ovations.

 

The performances by the Hibiscus Choir from the Village of Happiness,  Mcushwa School, who provided excellent Choirs in three categories, and the Gcilima Twelve Apostles Church of Christ received and eruption of cheers from spectators in the room.

 

The results were as follows:

 

Winner:  Best Overall Choir                  :  Xolo Try Singers (R10000 voucher for Choir clothing)

Winner:  Best Men’s Choir                   :  Zamani Boys Choir (R1000 Equip Voucher)

Winner: Best Woman’s Choir    :  Gcilima Twelve Apostles Church of Christ (R1000 Musical Equip voucher)

Winner:  Best Mixed Choir                   :  Mcushwa High School (R1000 Musical Equip Voucher)

Winner:  Best Youth Choir                    :  Zakhele Boys Choir (R1000 Musical Equip Voucher)

Winner:  Best Gospel Choir                  :  God’s Grace Choir (R1000 Musical Equip Voucher)

 

The dual “Master of Ceremonies” team being Brian Blumrick and Bongani Booi were outstanding in offering background history of all participants and a highlight at the end of the competition saw Brian Blumrick joining a group of Kwaito dancers on the stage (we will not mention that he could hardly walk afterwards!).

 

The three judges on the day, Mrs Norma Spiller, Mr Fana Khuzwayo and Mr J Cele gave expert comment after each performance and the South Coast’s own “Simon Cowell” (Mr Cele) was discovered.

 

Mayor Shusha complimented the judges who, besides judging each performance in terms of choral ability and norms, offered excellent take home and development value in their comments to each Choir.

 

During one of the breaks, spectators were entertained by the Mthwalume Brass Band which brought the house and even the judges to their feet as spectators danced and sang along.

 

Commitment and high standard was evidenced:  A young female Choir member showed her commitment to quality by resorting to ironing her kit on a chair so that her Choir kit was totally “un-creased” before her performance.

 

The day was brilliantly managed and organized by the Margate Centenary Committee Chairperson Ingrid Ashwin who was assisted by Diane Duncan, Brian & Brenda Blumrick and Councilor Avril Griffiths.

 

With appreciation and thanks to:

 

Hibiscus Coast Municipality

Ugu District Municipality

South Coast Tourism

Margate Business Association

The Music Shop – Uvongo

Brenda Blumrick – Certificates and flower decor

Ingrid Ashwin – Delegates Direct – Sponsored Event Management

Mr Terry Ashwin – Sponsored Piano

Brian Blumrick – Brian’s Builders – Sponsored transport, prize management and emcee services

Diane Duncan – Moulded Concrete Products – Sponsored Event Management assistance, computer and printer facility

Tiagos Margate – Supply of mobile catering caravan and lunches

Nomusa Zulu – Hibiscus Coast Municipality – Venue, banners and tables

Choir Judges:  Norma Spiller, Johannes Cele and Mr Fana Khuzwayo

Master of Ceremonies – Bongani Booi and Brian Blumrick

Councilor Avril Griffiths – Registration and admin

Izotcha Primary School – supply of elevated stages

 

“'If music be the fruit of love, so play on and give it in excess”

William Shakespeare