Season 2
Clash of the Choirs South Africa is a South African reality singing competition based on the international format devised by Swedish singer Caroline af Ugglas and produced locally by Endemol South Africa which features amateur choirs from seven different provinces, mentored by celebrity musicians, competing for a large cash prize.
The triple powerplay judging panel of Anele Mdoda, Lindelani Mkhize and Rebecca Malope return to Clash of the Choirs South Africa this season.
The show, which was won by Khaya Mthethwa's handpicked 20-piece choir from KZN in 2013, gets underway on Mzansi Magic from April 13th, and broadcast each Sunday from 17h30 until a winner is finally named.
The choirmasters have scouted the land for the voices that will make their choir's harmonies rise above the rest. The choirmasters for 2014 are Liquideep's Ziyon, Malaika's Tshedi, HHP, Robbie Malinga, Moneoa, Simphiwe Dana and Lebogang "Shugasmakx" Mothibe.
At this early stage of the competition, it's always hard to know just which choir will win over the judges.
But if the first season of Clash of the Choirs SA is anything to go by, when it comes to emotional performances Anele Mdoda is the judge who will be most affected - especially after the tears that flowed from the 94.7 Highveld Stereo Afternoon Drive presenter during some performances in 2013.
Those choirs that are able to really work their technical side are likely to win the favour of Lindelani Mkhize, whose has been the force behind the successful careers of many South African artists, spanning across a wide spectrum of genres.
Perhaps harder to predict is Rebecca Malope – herself one of Gospel music's most emotional performers as part of an unrivalled, award-winning career.
The Queen of Gospel certainly kept viewers on the edge of their seats during Season 1 with her quirky comments, but Rebecca was also quick to show her motherly, nurturing side to all the contestants.
The judges will monitor every note sung by the choirs in the running looking for the most polished and nurtured voices as they are taken through their paces by their celebrity choirmasters. Only three choirs can secure a place in the final spectacular live show where South Africa votes for their favourite amateur choir.
RJ Benjamin is back, doing what he does best as the music director for the show. Call him the music maestro as he gears up to put a spanner into the works of Season 2.
This time around RJ has assembled an artistic team of musical experts made up of former Project Fame contestant Tebogo Moloto, Ann McLaren, Christen Ludwig, actresses Relebogile Mabotja and Chantal Stanfield as well as the popular Idols season 9 finalist, Simphiwe "Bunny" Majaja. The team will be assisting with vocal coaching and guiding singers as to which voice groups they are best suited.
Clash of the Choirs South Africa 2 is presented by the Bonang Matheba. The show has a R750,000 prize up for grabs (R500,000 for the choir and R250,000 for the charity of their choice).
South Africa, the battle is on...
The series is produced by Endemol South Africa, with executive producers Anton Burggraaf and Sivan Pillay. The series producer is Josh Feldman.