The Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) has announced a powerful new partnership with Hollywoodbets.
The three-year deal will see Hollywoodbets as the new title sponsor of Africa’s largest cultural festival, now known as the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade. The sponsorship will also include support for the Hollywoodbets Voersmakie (17 December 2022) as well as five stadium events (January – February 2023).
The Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade will take place on Monday, 02 January 2023, with minstrel troupes from all over Cape Town performing in the streets of the city centre between Hanover Street in District Six, and Rose Street in the Bo Kaap.
The launch event took place at the Cape Town City Hall and was hosted by former South African cricketer, Vernon Philander. The KKKA, who has been the organisers of the new format Cape Town Street Parade since its launch in October 2017, shared plans for the 2023 event and welcomed the new sponsor to media, troupe directors and other esteemed guests.
Entertainment showcased the KKKA’s community and youth development project, the Western Cape Street Bands (WCSB), a music-focused non-profit organisation where many musicians have made professional careers. The quartet of Carlton Adams (a product of WCSB), Kurt Bowers, Blake Hellaby and Joshua Nemaire performed along with junior soloist, Taylor Ohlsson, and the Klopse Jol Ghoema Band, made up of members of various Cape Town minstrel troupes.
Muneeb Gambeno, Director of the KKKA, says that a title sponsor for Cape Town Street Parade is hugely positive at a time when our communities are looking forward to performing, after missing out for the past two years, “We are excited to celebrate the beautiful tradition of Klopse again, and to have the backing of Hollywoodbets is a huge boost to our efforts to host a successful and inclusive carnival that can grow into a jewel event on the South African, and world calendar.”
Devin Heffer, Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager, said, “We are excited to be coming on board with the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association which plays a significant role in preserving the Western Cape culture for many. As a company who is passionate about communities, our involvement in these events is something that aligns with our values and affirms our support for the arts and culture industry.”
The Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade expects to draw crowds of between 60 000 and 100 000 people, with roughly 20 000 minstrels participating.
“The KKKA’s mission is to contribute to a socially cohesive Cape Town and South Africa. Having worked to build an inclusive carnival for everyone who participates in it, we continue to take into account all its stakeholders, communities, and all cultures and religions. We thank Hollywoodbets for their confidence and for sharing our vision, and look forward to having them join the people of Cape Town in this journey,” said Gambeno.
On 02 January 2023, entertainment starts with an opening ceremony, from 13h30 on the Grand Parade, and celebrations continue until 10pm.
All troupes are required to register with the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade by 15 December 2022 and can contact Riyaad Peters on 082 807 8099.
The choral competitions will again be presented at Athlone Stadium under the same banner of the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade, in January and early February.
