Category: Juhan Kuus

Exploring the Rich Heritage of Cape Minstrels: Juhan Kuus and the Kaapse Klopse.

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Exploring the Rich Heritage of Cape Minstrels: Juhan Kuus and the Kaapse Klopse.

group of men posing for the camera, all are having a good time.

Exploring the Rich Heritage of Cape Minstrels: Juhan Kuus and the Kaapse Klopse.

He possessed a certain manner that inspired trust in his subjects, granting him the privilege to capture the intimate and up-close photographs you now behold.

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From Kaapse Klopse to Iconic Photos: Juhan Kuus’s Journey

Juhan Kuus, the renowned South African photojournalist, had a unique way of connecting with Cape Town locals. His inquisitive nature led him to befriend and closely interact with the subjects he captured through his lens. The trust he built allowed him to take intimate, up-close photographs that reveal the essence of his subjects. In one classic image, Juhan spends quality time with a group of Kaapse Klopse, also known as the Cape Minstrels.

Beyond 1994, South Africa’s rich cultural diversity and heritage gained global recognition. In Cape Town, a vibrant tourist destination, the annual Minstrel Festival takes center stage on January 1st, known as Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year). During this festive event, thousands of people adorned in colorful attire parade through the city streets as part of organized Klopse troupes. Their performances, including singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments, have become an integral part of Cape Town’s popular culture. Understanding the festival’s history and significance within the broader context of South African heritage is essential.

Read more about the Kaapse Klopse here: https://www.capetownmagazine.com/kaapse-klopse

Man singing as part of the group of Cape Minstrels.
Man singing as part of the group of Cape Minstrels.
group of Cape Minstrels, signing and dancing together.
group of Cape Minstrels, signing and dancing together.

During the late 1990s, Kuus immersed himself in the vibrant world of the Cape Minstrels. These colorful and spirited performers, with their flamboyant costumes and lively music, captivated him. He spent countless hours documenting their lives, parades, and celebrations. His lens captured the essence of their culture, the rhythm of their songs, and the joy that radiated from their performances.

In 2001, Kuus unveiled his photographic series titled “Cape Minstrels Carnival”. The collection showcased the exuberance, resilience, and rich heritage of the community. Each photograph was a testament to their spirit, their history, and their place in South African society.

The images revealed the intricate details of their costumes—the sequins, feathers, and bold colors that adorned their outfits. Kuus’s lens also captured the sweat on their brows as they danced and sang through the streets of Cape Town. These were not just photographs; they were visual narratives that transported viewers into the heart of the carnival.

Cape Minstrels queuing behind a broken down car
Two women cheering on the Cape Mintrels sitting in a bus.
group of cape minstrels in a bus on their way to the event.
group of cape minstrels in a bus playing instruments on their way to the event.
three cape minstrels laughing at each other
Close up photo of two cape minstrels singing. Both are missing their front teeth.
crowd of by standers cheering on the cape minstrels.
Man painted in white crossing the photo whilst by standers cheer him on behind.
two kids smiling with their faces painted.
lady like man smiling for the camera, dressed in cape minsttrel clothing.

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Juhan Kuus – Christian Zion Church

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Juhan Kuus – Christian Zion Church
Group of men baptising a man in the river in South Africa.

ZION CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Juhan spent a considerable amount of time going back and forth to document these gatherings and captured some truly remarkable images.

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The ZCC, the largest and fastest-growing independent church in Africa during the 1990s, boasts an estimated 2 to 6 million members across 4,000 parishes. These devoted followers primarily reside in both urban townships and rural communities. The church is commonly referred to by its abbreviation, ZCC, pronounced as “zed-see-see.”

Juhan spent a considerable amount of time going back and forth to document these gatherings and captured some truly remarkable images.

Man dancing in the gravel infront of a group of men during a church ceremony.

Man dancing in the gravel infront of a group of men during a church ceremony.
Man praying in the infront of a group of men during a church ceremony.
Group of men dancing together during a church ceremony in South Africa.
Group of men dancing together during a church ceremony in South Africa.
Man in uniform posing for the camera in the infront of a group of men during a church ceremony.
portrait of a male journalist with a plaster and blood on his face.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Juhan Kuus

During the height of his career from 1986 to 2000, Juhan Kuus, from Estonian descent, served as the South African correspondent for the Paris and New York editorial offices of the renowned Sipa Press Agency. Founded in France in 1973, Sipa Press Agency was a prominent name in the world of journalism.

Kuus’s impactful works graced the pages of prestigious newspapers and journals globally, including The Times, The Independent, The New York Times, Paris Match, and The Los Angeles Times. His lens captured stories that resonated across borders, leaving an indelible mark on the field of photojournalism.

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