Carnival to raise funds for troupe

One of Cape Town's most respected minstrel troupes will be hosting the Baruch Community Carnival to raise funds for their upcoming minstrel season.

Baruch Entertainers has become a household name after officially opening in 2017, when they launched an organisation to assist youth in reading music.

"We actually launched our organisation in Elsies River, and it was formed because we were offering tuition for youth and young children, in the sense of having them learn how to read musical notes and also play musical instruments," said Claude Jonas, Baruch Entertainers' chairman.

Initially, they collaborated with various groups, such as Eldene Primary School in Elsies River, where they maintained a partnership until Covid, continuing to help youth in need.

With the minstrel season around the corner, Baruch Entertainers quickly realised urgent funding was needed to support many of their members who were unable to afford the uniforms.

"The idea for the Carnival came about when we sat down and tried to unpack what it is for this year that we could do differently. We also wanted to create an opportunity to draw in the community and have them engage with us and give us the opportunity to speak to them about our plans for the future, especially around community development and the opportunities we create for children and youth to keep them away from the ills of society," Mr Jonas said.

He added that people attending the carnival would also be supporting to help keep the organisation afloat.

"The minstrel carnival competition is up and coming, and it is the period or season where we celebrate our heritage and our culture. We want to give as many people from developing communities as possible an opportunity to take part. It is costly because uniforms cost money, transport costs money, and our people, because of the economic strife we are all experiencing, cannot afford this," Mr Jonas said.

"So supporting this event helps us make it accessible for them."

Baruch Entertainers are calling on all local vendors, small businesses, and food entrepreneurs to take part in the Baruch Community Carnival, taking place from Thursday, 4 to Saturday, 6 December at the Elsies River Rugby Club Grounds.

"We are using the funds to give young people the opportunity to earn and wear a cultural uniform, to appreciate their heritage, and to learn about it so that the history behind it can continue to live on and grow further," Mr Jonas said.

There will be live performances from local artists, including Waseef Piekaan, Allan the Car Guard, the OGs dance group, and various community artists.

Funfair inflatables and family activities will be available. A Saturday car show will showcase local car clubs and enthusiasts. Food stalls, craft vendors, and community exhibitors will be present. Safe, paid parking will be available inside the venue.

“This Carnival is about community, it’s about creating opportunities for small businesses while celebrating our culture and giving back,” said Wendy Rhode, Executive Director for the Baruch Community Carnival.

“We want vendors from all over Cape Town to come showcase their talent and be part of something meaningful.”

The event will take place from 4pm to 11pm on Thursday, December 4, 4pm to 11pm on Friday, December 5, and 9am to 11pm on Saturday, December 6.

For more information and to stay updated on future events, follow Baruch Entertainers on Facebook or Instagram, or simply email info@baruchsa.co.za