Legendary ‘houte’ band gets ready for the streets
Hanover Park’s PSV Minstrels are ready to set the bar to an “unbeatable level” at the upcoming minstrel carnival.
The former 13 time coon carnival champions are hoping to set proceedings alight with their famous “houte” band.
Team Captain and Head Photographer, Faeeda Davids, from Hanover Park, said the team aims to keep the old school beats flowing, but will also be adding their PSV twist.
“Our team is always setting the bar to a level that is simply unbeatable especially when it comes to our music. We aim to keep the old school momentum going while adding the ‘je ne sais quoi’ by putting a little beat to old school so that the younger generation of today also enjoys it,” Ms Davids excitingly said.
PSV Minstrels were established back in 1932, by the late parents of the famous troupe owner, Richard "Pot" Stemmet and Vincent "Bunny" Benjamin.
Mr Stemmet took over the reigns in 1989 and since then the team has been growing to new heights.
Ms Davids said this year’s competition was little more special as PSV celebrated their 35th anniversary in May.
“We reached this milestone of celebrating 35 years and my family personally has been well acquainted with Mr Stemmet and family, and I’ve been with them since the age of 9,” Ms Davids explained.
PSV Minstrels is known to be one of the longest standing and reigning coon carnival champions, winning 13 years in a row.
Ms Davids said over the years, everybody always asked what Mr Stemmet’s secret was and how PSV Minstrels maintained their winning streak.
“What's his secret everyone asks? He's self motivated, he keeps his head above water and never loses hope. He makes certain his team dress code is always on par, and it comes naturally that he knows what the requirements are to win a dress even while walking the streets,” Ms Davids said.
PSV Minstrels band is led by one of the most sought after band masters, Brett Marvin Edwards, an exciting prospect for many members and followers of the team.
"Every note is of a standard that's hard to compete with“ said the proud Captain.
“We are definitely bringing that fire to the streets of Cape Town again, with an authentic, "houte" band beat that Capetonians and people all over the world loves so much,” Ms Davids added.
Justin May from Kensington has led the PSV Minstrels from the front as the “Voorloper” for 9 years running.
“The reason why I love this team is because this really feels like home, I've danced for many good teams throughout my career, but nothing feels better than being apart of The PENNSYLVANIANS crooning minstrels,” Mr May said.
"The name alone is on everyone’s lips, everyone looks out for PSV every year for the 2de Nuwes Jaar minstrel street parade and I feel honoured to be a member.“
Since the age of six, Mr May had dreamed of joining the minstrels, watching his grandfather and father “jolling” for their favourite teams.
"To be apart of the minstrels, this is in my blood and therefore I am carrying on the legacy.“
He said audiences are sure to lookout for their famous "houte percussion“, but usual, the best dressed ”as always, uniformity is key“.
"We can only grow from strength to strength, when times were tough, we stood together while the others all left and that shows good team spirit. At the end of the day we lead and others follow... PSV for life,“ My May proudly said.
BLOB PSV Minstrels are looking forward to their Road on November 16, where followers and supporters will get a first glance of the team.
BLOB To find out more about the PSV Minstrels, follow their Facebook page or contact Sharon on 081 825 2272.
