City of Cape Town is observing the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival for the whole month and is ready to conduct its another segment of the event i.e. ‘Adjudicator’. Considering this, the official organiser Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) has announced its esteemed panel of judges.
The judges will examine the highly anticipated stadium competitions at The Hollywoodbets and KKKA Annual Kaapse Klopse Competitions. Known for upholding the highest standards of fairness, skill and excellence the 2025 panle features an exceptional line-up of talented professionals which is dedicated to ensure that every troupe has a fair shot at success.
At HollywoodBets and KKKA Annual Kaapse Klopse Competitons, it’s all about fairness, skill and excellence.
The Adjudicators are here to ensure only the best of the best to make it to the top. From smooth harmonies to lekker Moppie performances, they will ensure that every troupe has affair shot to wow the crowd and rise to the occasion.
Cape Town Minstrel Carnival is a joyous spirit of the Kaapse Klopse with the guidance of esteemed adjudicators. The panel of Adjudicators will consist of:
- Karen Schofield-Nel: Chief Adjudicator University of Cape Town
- Sindile Patrick Tikolo: Head of Voice University of Cape Town
- Lauren Dasappa: Voice Lecturer University of Stellenbosch
- Sivuyisiwe Tshefu: Choral Vocal Specialist, King William’s Town
- Labane Twala: Navy Band Master Simons Town
- Jo-Nette Le Kay: Voice Lecturer Rhodes University

Earlier, in a media statement released on Monday, Jan 13, 2025 the Adjudicating Panel Confirms Sound Quality Measures at The HollywoodBets and KKKA Annual Kaapse Klopse Competitions.
The Adjudicating panel acknowledged the inquiry raised by the directorate regarding the sound quality during the HollywoodBets and KKKA Annual Kaapse Klopse Competitions which was held on Saturday, Jan 11, 2025.
Chief Adjudicator – Karen Schofield-Nel said that they wish to confirm that sound balance issues were addressed at the beginning of the event to ensure fairness and consistency across all performances.
Some of the specific actions taken includes, adjusting the ensembled microphones to achieve better balance and refining solo microphone levels for clarity and equal audibility.
Moreover, these adjustments ensured consistent sound quality throughout the day with parity maintained across all performances. The adjudicating panel remained committed to uphold the highest standards of fairness and transparency.
The organisers would like to reassure all the participants that no performance evaluations were impacted or jeopardized by issues related to sound, during the competition. It is however, imperative according to them to note that all sound-related matters must be addressed well during the sound check by each group and their appointed specialists.
Notably, the process ensures that the technical issues are resolved prior to the performances, in order to prevent the concerns about sound quality, afterwards, if any occur. The officials reiterated that no-performance evaluations were affected by sound quality concerns during the event.
And, the adjudicating panel thanked all stakeholders for their dedication and contributions to the success of the Kappse Klopse competition.