Judges named for Clash of the Choirs SA

Cape Town - M-Net's local television channel Mzansi Magic (channel 161) has announced its line-up of main judges for their newest reality show, Clash of the Choirs SA, reports Sowetan Live.

The reality show, which has been reworked locally from the hit US show, is set to premiere on Sunday 27 January on Mzansi Magic, and will be showcasing three well-known celebrities within the music industry as judges.

Gospel singer Rebecca Malope, Joyous Celebration co-founder Lindelani Mkhize and radio/television personality Anele Mdoda will be joined by a selection of celebrity musos who will be acting as Choir Masters for each regional choir.

These include Zakes Bantwini (Gaugteng), Zwai Bala (Mpumalanga), Idols winner Khaya Mthethwa (KZN), Judith Sephuma (Limpopo), Thembi Seete (Free State), Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse (North West) and Winnie Khumalo (Western Cape).

'Highly entertaining'

According to a statement on Mzansi Magic's website, each of the regional judges have already hand-picked their regional candidates, and these candidates have now been sorted into seven choir groups. Each regional judge will also be acting as their Choir Master for the duration of the competition.

"We are excited to have such great musicians on board as judges and choir masters. Clash of the Choirs SA will definitely be different and highly entertaining, with each and every person bringing a unique element to the show," Yolisa Phahle, the Local Interest Channel Director said.

Speaking out about her involvement as judge, Malope said she is "very excited to be part of the judging panel on the first Clash of the Choirs SA".

Prize money

"South Africa has never had a show like this and it is going to be a lot of fun to unearth some of the great talent that our country has to offer," she said.

The show span a course of nine weeks and will be presented by Top Billing presenter Bonang Matheba.

According to Mzansi Magic, the winning choir will walk away with R250 000 in prize money, and an additional R250 000 will be donated to a charity of the winning choir's choice.

*The first episode of Clash of the Choirs SA will be aired on 27 January at 17:30 on Mzansi Magic (channel 161).