About Us

The Cape Malay Choir Board Established in 1939, is a cultural organisation focused on preserving the unique traditions of Cape Malay choral music, particularly the singing of Nederlands Liedere and Afrikaans songs. It plays avital role in maintaining the cultural heritage of Cape Malay communities in Cape Town, South Africa.

Origins:
The board's roots are intertwined with the history of Cape Malay communities ,who trace their ancestry to formerly enslaved people brought to the Cape by the Dutch East India Company.

Establishment:
The board was officially established in 1939, with the first competition held in 1940. It was formed, in part, to preserve the Afrikaans language, which is used in the choir's performances and to celebrate the cultural identity of the community.

Impact:
The Cape Malay Choir Board touches over 12 communities with more than3000 active supporters and participants. There is a strong focus on youth empowerment, upholding tradition passed down to us by our elders and researching the untold stories that got lost along the way.

Annual Competition:
The board organises annual competitions where choirs compete in different categories showcasing their talents and preserving traditional songs. This competition is the highlight of the cultural calendar in many communities.

HOW WE GOT HERE

Late 1880s

The tradition began where choirs and nagtroepe walked through neighbourhoods singing versions od traditional Dutch songs.

1939

The Cape Malay Choir Board was officially established in April 1939 through a concert at the Cape Town City Hall with 8 choirs participating.

1940

The Board held its very first formal annual choir competition.

1976

The Board moved its annual competitions to the Good Hope Centre in 1976, the very year the iconic concrete dome was constructed. The Good Hope Centre became the home of the competitions for nearly four decades, praised for its massive 7,000-person capacity.

1981

The Board achieved a global milestone by organizing its first major international tour. Choirs travelled overseas to perform the unique Nederlandsliedjies in world capitals including London, Rome, and cities across Germany and Spain.

1990s - 2010s

With the dawn of democracy, the Board expanded its focus toward youth development and formalising the cultural preservation of ghoema music. The competition structure grew competitively, with dozens of active choirs and thousands of performers competing annually for the ultimate prize: the Silver Fez Trophy.

2015

The 2015 competition was the final annual showcase hosted at the Good Hope Centre. Later that year, the City of Cape Town leased the dome to a private company, displacing the choirs and forcing them to find alternative venues.