FIND A SHOW
Cape Malay Choir Board Choral Competition
Ticket Cost
R100 - R200Start Date
Oct 16 2026Theatre
Opera HouseDuration
5hours with intervals
The Cape Malay Choir Competition is a celebrated cultural event in Cape Town where local choirs battle for top honors, including the prestigious Silver Fez trophy. Rooted in the rich heritage of the city’s enslaved communities, groups perform traditional folk songs in Afrikaans and the authentic Dutch Nederlands Lied. This vibrant showcase blends historic storytelling, immaculate tailoring, and deep community pride into a powerful musical tradition. It stands as a living testament to Cape Town’s resilient spirit, bringing communities together each year to celebrate identity through song.
Experience the spirit, rhythm, and pride of Cape Town at our annual Cape Malay Choir Competition! As one of the city’s most anticipated cultural showcases, this iconic event brings local choirs together to battle for top honors, including the prestigious Silver Fez trophy. Deeply rooted in the rich history of our enslaved communities, our stages come alive with traditional folk songs performed in soulful Afrikaans and the authentic Dutch Nederlands Lied. Do not miss your chance to witness immaculate tailoring, powerful vocal harmonies, and the undeniable energy of ghoema rhythms.
Step into a legacy over 87 years in the making with the Cape Malay Choir Board. Watch history come alive as more than 3,000 active members across various unique communities take the stage. Every year, teams pour months of intense preparation into mastering dense vocal arrangements and choreographing breathtaking performances. This is more than just a musical tournament. It is a fierce but friendly battle for neighborhood bragging rights and deep-rooted community pride. The air in the arena fills with standard-setting vocal techniques, ranging from emotional, historic ballads to high-spirited comic singing. Offstage, the visual spectacle is just as captivating. Teams appear in impeccably tailored, vibrant matching suits that flash under the stage lights as they move in perfect unison. This multi-day event offers an unforgettable look into the resilient spirit and living heritage of the Mother City.
16th October – 5 hours (including intervals)
17th and 18th October 6 hours 30 min (including intervals)
Age Restriction: N/A
Kindly note Artscape provides wheelchair seating. You can book directly via this website but should you require assistance please call Artscape Dial-a-Seat on 021 421 76 95 who will assist with navigation and booking.
Important Notice: PAID PARKING FOR ARTSCAPE THEATRE
Secure parking is available for Artscape patrons at the Cape Town Civic Centre basement parking area. Access is via the Jan Smuts Street entrance at the times indicated below:
Operating hours
• Mondays to Fridays between 5 pm and 11 pm
• Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during showtimes
Parking tariffs
Fee: R45.00
For more info, please contact dial-a-seat: 021 421 76 95
Parking is available at the Cape Town Civic Centre’s basement parking, Mondays to Fridays between 6pm and 11pm. Parking will be available on Saturdays and Sundays as well as public holidays, for matinee and evening performances. Access to the parking area is via Jan Smuts Street.
• No cash will be accepted/handled at the entry point;
• Payments can be made with Debit/Credit card;
• The parking fee is: R45.00;
• The gate to the parking will be closed 15 minutes after the starting time of a performance and opened after the performance;
• For security reasons, patrons will be required to inform the attendant which production they are attending, you may also provide proof of a reservation to a production or an event, or proof of invitation to a production or event, at the entry point;
• Patrons are to contact the emergency number (021) 400 2828 in the event of an emergency;
• For your safety a security guard will be stationed at the garage entry
Limited facilities for wheelchairs are available in the Opera House and Theatre in accordance with safety regulations. Wheelchair seats can be booked at the Artscape Box Office, at any Computicket outlet, or through the Computicket call centre. Please note that the Arena is not wheelchair friendly. Toilets for wheelchair-bound patrons aresituated in the Marble and Chandelier Foyers of the Opera House and on the lower level of the Theatre Foyer. Limited parking bays are available for bona fide Disabled Parking Disc Holders in the tunnel area opposite the Stage Door entrance, and in the staff parking area. A drop-off facility is available in the tunnel area for patrons who have difficulty walking. Prior arrangements in all regards should be made with the Theatre Manager.
WheelchairsDisabled Parking and Wheelchairs are available on site but should be pre-booked by contacting Artscape Dial-a-seat on 021 421 7695
