Showgoers left the Endler Hall surprised when it was announced last night that nine Sêr groups in both the male and female categories would proceed to semi-finals instead of eight.
Based on the spectacular performances on the final night of the preliminaries, it is easy to understand why the judges had trouble picking only eight groups.
According to Kristoff Krige, the chairperson of Kuko, there will be no nationals this year due to ATKV wanting to transform the competition’s purpose. “Lots of discussion is taking place regarding the topic of whether male and female residences and PSOs should have a combined KleinSêr,” he said.
Semi-finals will take place 11-12 August 2017 at the Endler Hall, as well as finals for KleinSêr 2017 taking place on 16 August 2017.
Tickets (R60) for semi-finals are being sold at the SRC office, the third floor in the Neelsie.
The Semi-Finalists of KuKo KleinSêr 2017:
(in no specific order)
Ladies:
Erica
Harmonie
Hippo Ladies
Lydia
Meta Ladies
Minerva
Osler
Sonop
Venustia
Men:
Eendrag
Huis Visser
Huis Marais
Majuba
Meta Men
Oude Molen
Hippo Men
Simonsberg
Wilgenhof
Last night, the Tygerberg campus gave main campus a run for its money (as per usual) with Osler Dames setting the tone for the night. Powerful soloists and smart song choices had the audience on their feet by the end of their performance.
Huis Visser stepped out in sailor-themed outfits, much to the joy of female audience members. The men had an easy-going vibe but surprised the audience with their final song. See their Michael Jackson rendition below.
Nerina chose a “Heal the world”, climate change theme. Their main soloist more than made up for their bland, all-black outfits and scarves which they awkwardly pulled out from the back of their pants. The power vocals in the Sucker for Pain opening medley from the soloist was impressive.
Lebo Mohlala from Huis Francie broke hearts when it was discovered that they were not formally competing in the competition this year. This firecracker blew the audience away with her solos. The former champions once again brought the audience to their feet to give a standing ovation.
Helderberg’s performance was carried by Franco Bassi’s charming quips in between songs. It was a good effort, but it was clearly not enough to get into the semi-finals. Their All Time Low opening was the highlight of their performance.
Nemesia’s all denim outfits were probably one of the better outfits on stage. Their Vir Oulaas soloist – Matiemedia’s very own Marsha Leitch – did a great job. Unfortunately, they did not make it to the semi-finals. Perhaps they’ll take a shot at Sêr in another two years.
Olympus Dames had more energy and fun on stage than the audience did. The only bright light in an otherwise dull performance was the Alicia Keys Falling medley. Their blue overalls and red bandannas looked good on stage.
Olympus. PHOTO: Christina Pitt
Hippokrates Men pulled out all the stops – from their outfits to their choreography. It was obvious, based on the amount of screaming when they walked on stage, that the Tygerberg campus came out in droves to support their golden boys. Despite the preemptive cheering, the men did not disappoint. Their Destiny’s Child medley had everyone dancing in their seats.
The long-awaited return of Hippokrates Ladies has finally come and, frankly, we’re disappointed. It sounded as if they relied more on their rapping skills than their singing. If this were a rap battle, then Hippos would definitely take the crown. Famous for their strong soloists, the sêr failed to deliver after a year-long hiatus. Hopefully, they will remind Stellenbosch why main campus should fear them in the semi-finals.
– Christina Pitt and Marsha Leitch