entertainment, music Holly Rey, Image: Supplied by SABC
Award winning singer Holly Rey skilfully guided Lollipop to victory, and gets crowned as the inaugural queen for The Masked Singer South Africa.
Holly secured the coveted Golden Mask Trophy when Lollipop triumphed over the imposing romantic figure, Rhino, in a spectacular showdown on the show.
In a melodious clash, the two masked contenders delivered a captivating duet rendition of Justin Bieber's hit track, "Baby."
The show commenced with two face-offs, during which the remaining four costumed contestants vied for their positions in the final showdown.
Initially, Lollipop outshone Lion, followed by Rhino and Tree.
The Lion revealed his true identity, shedding his mane to disclose that the king of the jungle was none other than the accomplished actor Abdul Khoza.
Subsequently, Tree's identity was unveiled, revealing the suave and versatile entertainer as well as business magnate, Maps Maponyane.
The mystery surrounding Rhino, which had perplexed the show's celebrity sleuths for nights on end, was ultimately unravelled.
The runner-up of The Masked Singer South Africa, Rhino, turned out to be the Afrikaans music sensation, Kurt Darren.
Yet, how did the panel of celebrity detectives—comprising J’Something from Micasa, Somizi Mhlongo, Sithelo Shozi, and Skhumba Hlope—fare in deciphering the identities of the final four masked vocalists?
For an extended period, the show’s detectives had suspected that the endearing and energetic Simba could be one of the Khoza brothers—either SK or his younger sibling, Abdul.
Ultimately, Lion's final exhilarating stage performance and a recent clue implying a meditative Zen Lion led Somizi, Sithelo, and Skhumba to settle on the SAFTA-winning Abdul. In contrast, J’Something opted for SK.
Abdul shared with the audience that he cherished participating in the show due to its relatability to his children.
Regarding the versatile Tree, who consistently amazed audiences week after week, J’Something decided to capitalize on the cumulative clues dropped throughout the season.
The strong emphasis on fashion prompted J’Something to associate Tree with Maps Maponyane. Sithelo arrived at the same conclusion by analyzing Tree's magazine appearances.
Nevertheless, the guesses diverged, with Somizi and Skhumba speculating that the bespectacled Tree could be the legendary actor Thapelo Moekena.
Following Rhino's initial performance of the evening, a sudden realization struck J’Something.
The detectives had deduced that Rhino likely embodied a robust sports figure, possibly a rugby player. In a revelatory moment, all the puzzle pieces fell into place for J’Something, who recognized Rhino as a professional singer.
The numerous references to ships pointed unmistakably to Kurt Darren, whose hit song "Kaptein" had become an anthem in sports arenas worldwide.
Rhino's revelation of caring for bugs and giraffes led Sithelo to consider the rugby player Jannie du Plessis as a possibility.
Somizi and Skhumba followed the same trail, suggesting rugby legends Francois Pienaar and Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira.
Upon Rhino's unmasking, Somizi praised Kurt Darren, acknowledging his remarkable spiritual connection with the audience, even while concealed behind a mask.
While J’Something was the lone detective to successfully unveil Rhino's identity, he faltered in identifying the winner of The Masked Singer South Africa, Lollipop. The vibrant hues of her mask reminded him of Sho Madjozi.
Detective Skhumba also missed the mark, attributing Lollipop's clues to Pabi Moloi due to the reference to diabetes.
However, Somizi and Sithelo hit the bullseye! Sithelo's deduction stemmed from Lollipop's certificates, recognizing Holly's cum laude graduation.
As for Somizi, he confidently declared, “Lollipop was destined to make history. Lollipop was destined to set records.
She became the first woman to win Song of the Year since the legendary Brenda Fassie two decades ago. Lollipop is Holly Rey."
Following her unmasking, Holly expressed her delight in the incredible fun she had experienced on the show. It was akin to being a child in a candy store!
The production of The Masked Singer South Africa were Rose and Oaks Media for Primedia Studios.
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