Time is running out for those who want to enter Mzansi Magic’s Clash of the Choirs SA, the new reality television series that puts a fresh and cool spin on choral music.

This weekend, music icon Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse will be in Rustenburg in the North West Province to choose his 20-piece choir for the singing competition, and next weekend the action moves to Cape Town for the final leg of the Clash of the Choirs SA auditions.

Sipho will be at the Orion Hotel on Donkerhoek Road, Rustenburg, from 08:00 to 18:00 on both Saturday, 15 December, and Sunday 16 December, where he will audition groups and individuals who might have what it takes to be the group that clinches the show’s mighty grand prize.

The winners of Clash of the Choirs SA will walk off with R500 000 – R250 000 for the choir and R250 000 for the charity of their choice.

Yet, it’s not going to be an easy task. There are seven choirs from seven provinces, all selected by celebrity choir masters who are determined to lead their groups all the way to the top.

Sipho, who has been in the industry for over 50 years, will compete against Zakes Bantwini (Gauteng), Zwai Bala (Mpumalanga), Khaya Mthethwa (Kwa-Zulu Natal), Judith Sephuma (Limpopo) and Thembi Seete (Free State).

From Carnegie Hall, to New York and Johannesburg, he has conquered the music world and his main mission with the show is to use his experience to turn budding local singers into great professionals. “Who will I choose for my choir? I’m looking for smiling faces, great voices and the passion to sing, perform on stage and to work together as a wonderful unit,” he says. ”This is about working together to achieve a common goal, this is show business! So come and show me what you’ve got.”

At the auditions, contestants have to perform their favourite song in any music genre, either Pop, RnB, Gospel, Soul or Kwaito – in a choral formation. Choirs can audition as a group, however all seven Choir Masters are looking to set up their own choirs.

To avoid queues, go to the auditions as early as possible. You can also download audition forms and pre-register at www.mzansimagic.tv to speed up the process on the day of auditions, or just rock up at the venue. Remember to bring your ID along to prove that you’re 18 years or older.

Last round of Auditions:

North West: Saturday, 15 December & Sunday, 16 December – Orion Hotel, Donkerhoek Road, Rustenburg

Cape Town: Friday, 21 December & Saturday, 22 December – Roodebloem Studios, 43 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock, Cape Town