Heritage comes alive as young voices shine in national a cappella competition

For the first time ever, the FAK folk song “My Father Was a Musician” (My Vader Was 'n Musikant) was brought to life in a dazzling array of creative and spirited interpretations at the national final of the ninth annual Animato A Capella competition on Saturday, October 11, at the AfriForum Theatre in Pretoria.

High school singing groups from across South Africa filled the stage with a festival of talented voices, dynamic style, and pure musicality, proving that Afrikaans folk music remains alive and relevant.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Federation of Afrikaans Cultural Associations (FAK) presented awards for the best renditions of an FAK folk song. This year’s song, “My Father Was a Musician,” challenged schools to reimagine and perform it in fresh, inventive ways.

The FAK award for Best Ensemble Performance went to Pzazz from Potchefstroom Gimnasium, while Hoërskool Zwartkop’s Zwacapellas group from Centurion claimed the FAK award for Best Performance within a Production.

“We are very proud to be part of this unique competition,” said Sallas de Jager, FAK’s Head of Arts, Language, and Music Projects. “FAK’s involvement in Animato brings a special heritage dimension to the stage. Our goal is to inspire young people to rediscover Afrikaans folk music and traditional songs and to interpret them in a fresh, modern way.”

De Jager added, “We are thrilled that Afrikaans folk songs are not forgotten. Thanks to young voices, they resonate anew. Songs like ‘My Father Was a Musician’ tell stories of pride, ambition, and perseverance, values that remain vibrant in this new generation.”

Winners Captivate the Judges

The overall winners impressed the judges, narrowly edging out second and third places. Pzazz from Potchefstroom Gimnasium took home the Best Ensemble award, while Con Spirito from C&N Secondary Girls’ School Oranje in Bloemfontein received the Best Production award.

A total of 14 schools nationwide participated in the competition, with nine groups from eight schools advancing to the final at the AfriForum Theatre.

“The students rehearse for months on their interpretations,” said Zelmarie Maré, co-founder of Animato A Capella. “In the final weeks, some groups literally practise all day until midnight.”

A Dream Born from a Need

Animato A Capella was created by mother-daughter duo Lizelle van Staden and Zelmarie Maré. What began as a simple youth choir competition has grown into one of South Africa’s most dynamic and innovative platforms for young singers.

“Animato started as a regular choir competition,” explained Maré. “But we saw how popular university a cappella competitions had become and realised that schoolchildren wanted something similar, something more expressive, creative, and performance-oriented.

"Not everyone wants to just stand in a line and sing. They want to be characters, tell stories, and work with themes and humour.”

“It’s almost like a mini revue,” she said, “but without any instruments. And the kids love it. They can creatively use their voices, expressions, and energy to tell a story.”

Van Staden added, “Schools go to incredible lengths with costumes and stage elements. Many even get professional help with musical arrangements, vocal coaching, and direction. We have coaches who participated in university competitions years ago now mentoring the next generation.”

De Jager concluded, “When you see children from different provinces, backgrounds, and schools singing together on stage, you realise that music remains one of the strongest forms of community building.

"And if they can be proud of their language and heritage at the same time, then we have truly achieved something special.”