Fans can soon enjoy the return of The Masked Singer South Africa. This popular singing contest is back and has found a new venue. Comedian Mpho Popps takes the helm as host, working alongside detectives Somizi Mhlongo, J’Something, Sithelo Shozi, and Skhumba, who will attempt to uncover which star is hidden behind the mask.
The investigators share a common sentiment about this season; it has allowed them to see celebrities from a fresh perspective. Several admitted they were caught off guard by the level of secrecy maintained by the contestants until the final reveal.
Briefly News takes a closer look at the intriguing process that links celebrities to their masks and how the investigators were taken aback by the outcomes.
How The Masked Singer SA reflects Mzansi
Frankie du Toit from Rose and Oak provided insight into how each celebrity ended up behind their chosen masks, mentioning that filming this season was facilitated by their enthusiasm to participate in the show.
“Each celebrity picks one or two masks that resonate with them, and then we go further with the designs to fit with the celebrity’s style. Each celebrity is heavily invested in their masks and the creative process,” he said.
Somizi expressed a personal connection to the Protea mask, stating, “The costume resonates with the first dress that I wore at the Durban July, it’s very similar. What draws me towards the costume is that it’s glittery, and I am attracted to the velvet. But also that it’s grand about Protea, and elegant and whimsical.”
Sithelo Shozi shares a similar affinity for Protea, noting its representation of South African culture, “Anele and Frankie did so well with representing South Africa and what we stand for and the people that we are through the masks. I would pick Protea because of her regalia and because I am a fashion girl.”
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Skhumba mentioned his preference for the Pineapple mask while J Something sees himself represented by Spinach, simply due to his love for the vegetable.
Frankie emphasized the uniqueness of each mask, noting that no other franchise features designs as daring and representative as those in the Mzansi version. The celebrities are crucial in bringing these personas to life, but the twist is that the investigators remain completely unaware of who they are.
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Skhumba remarked that viewers would likely be shocked by the detectives’ lack of knowledge, asserting that they will indeed be surprised when the masks come off.
“Viewers will be surprised to know how ignorant we all are as detectives. They trust us to know who is behind the masks, but unfortunately, we have no idea, shame,” he said. The atmosphere during filming is lively, mirroring the show’s vibrant energy, with Skhumba playfully declaring Somizi as the most competitive among the group.
J’Something stated that the show’s format is unlike any other, saying, “This is a happy show, there is no drama, it is a lot of fun, joy and promotes togetherness and community. I mean, getting around the TV together and not only being entertained, but also partaking. It’s one of the very few shows that allows its viewers to partake in the actual journey,” he noted fondly.
Bringing humor and style to the show, Mpho Popps described his experience with this Primedia production as unforgettable and filled with excitement.
“This is probably the wildest, craziest, most insane production I have ever worked on. Usually, you know what to expect when you’re doing something. With The Masked Singer, you never know. You know your links and who the detectives are, but when those people sing, you never know who it is. They are essentially real-life puppets. When we reveal who they are, it shocks not just us but everybody. You never know who to expect!” he said.
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The Masked Singer South Africa Season 3 is produced by Rose and Oaks Media for Primedia Studios, and is set to debut on SABC 2 on Saturday, 4 July at 19:00. Those unable to watch the live show can catch replays on Thursdays at 21:00 on SABC 1 and Fridays at 13:30 on SABC 2.
