by Nazeem Davids
Back in 2012, inexplicably, the vast township of Mitchells Plain had no true super troupe representation in the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival (CTMCA) competition.
Klopse visionaries Aboebakar Schloss, Yusuf Gester, Bred Scholtz, Shahied Davids, Ismail Davids and Abdul Ghaliq Gester decided to remedy that and the Juvie Boys Entertainers (JBE) were born, based on the Juventus Football Club.
As a director of the then newly crowned champions D6, I recall quietly observing these new pretenders to the Klopse throne and thinking to myself “Hier kom ‘n ding!”
The intensity and enthusiasm in this new troupe was indeed something to behold. They were huge in numbers, close to 2 000 members, and had a massive following, a Klopse boss’ dream.
Jealous rivals scoffed at their all-sequin uniforms in that first year, 2013, but JBE came and competed at the highest level, snuffing out many a much longer established troupe to finish in a very creditable third place behind D6 and PSV, indeed proving to be worthy challengers.
Winning a super league was no easy feat either and JBE quickly learnt that you needed good results in all 16 categories to win.
They competed very consistently over the next 4 years, finishing third again in 2014, second in 2015 and third in 2016, while 2017 was the landmark year for Juvie Boys.
Despite being penalised for their entire first day’s points after ignoring the CTMCA boycott and taking part in the “2de Nuwe Jaar” road march, JBE were crowned Super League champions for the first time.
They wowed Athlone Stadium, not just the biggest, but by far the most vibrant and accomplished troupe in the stadium.
The success story continued in 2018 with second place in the now Kaapse Klopse Karnivaal Assosiasie (KKKA) competition, following up with first place in section one of the KKKA competition.
Finally, in 2020, JBE won the overall competition with the highest points to claim the Carnival Kings title once again. One word sums it all up. Respect.
It takes a lot of money and commitment to sustain a super troupe for that long. Over their short existence, JBE have become synonymous with brilliant choral renditions. Under the guidance of the late Boy Davids at first and currently Ameer Williams and Moosa Parker, JBE came to the fore with amazing vocal sounds.
Their youthful choir is the envy of many other troupes and few can rival them at their best. I have to mention that the aanie brand JBE Klopse Jol was only truly ignited when Munthier “Challas” Mackriel and Impronto Brass Band joined in 2016.
Fortunately, current bandmaster Jaun van As and BBT have built on that platform and maintained that tradition.
JBE are celebrating their 10th anniversary and director Joey Gester says: “I have to firstly acknowledge the role that the late Boebie Schloss and Boy Davids played in getting us to where we are. We will never forget them.
“They deserve all the acknowledgements and praise with a special mention for Uncle Shahied Davids who is based in Johannesburg but commutes regularly just to be with the troupe.
“The exco team members are Yusuf Taliep, Moegamat Rogers, Ayoob Gester, Donovan Smith, Abubaker Abrahams, Faried Petersen, Fagmie da Silva, Haroon Oliver, Shihaam Abrahams, Kashief Erasmus, Ghaliq Wesson, Erifaan Rogers, Rasool Abrahams, Samuedien Solomons, Charmaine Parker, Ashley Parker and the operational team is Yasmina Ryklief, Ameer Phillips, Fazlin Gester and Nuraan Abrahams. A big team for a very big troupe.”
The media team for 2022/23 are Muneeb Bassier, Shahiemah Jacobs and Imtiyaaz Martin.
There is a palpable buzz and energy at the Juvies’ klopskamer that is very infectious. It sweeps you along without you realising it.
The brass and ghoema sounds of the big band echo all over Mitchells Plain and throngs of youngsters bring their tambourines along to join the rehearsals.
The Juvie Boys family is hungry for klopse and a huge crowd gathers on Sundays for choral and band practices.
It is like the old days again and Covid-19 is a distant memory. The reigning Carnival Kings are leaving nothing to chance; they will be defending their crown with all their might. Uncle Shahied Davids sums it up and says “Ons wil gewen wees! Ons is die Juvies.”
* Nazeem Davids
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
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