The judging panel constitutes multi-award winning Queen of Gospel, Rebecca Malope, along with Joyous Celebration co-founder Lindelani Mkhize and popular Radio and TV personality, Anele Mdoda – each of them a music aficionado in their own way - who will monitor the choirs' performance and decide their fate in weekly elimination rounds.

“I am very excited to be part of the judging panel on the first Clash of the Choirs SA. South Africa has never had a show like this and it is going to be a lot of fun to unearth some of the great talent that our country has to offer. Having been discovered through a talent show as well, I can relate to what the contestants will be going through and I also know the impact that such a platform can have in kick-starting someone’s career. I can't wait to see what each province has in store,” says Malope.

Besides keeping a watchful eye on every note sung, the judges will also be tasked with monitoring each choir's technical ensemble and creativity in executing each musical piece. In essence they will be looking for the most polished and nurtured voices.

With the seven choirs already in place, headed by musical celebrities or choir masters, Clash of the Choirs SA is set to be a cut above the rest, unleashing raw and exciting South African choral talent.

The seven choir masters travelled to designated provinces to audition up-and-coming amateur choirs. Zakes Bantwini (Gauteng); Zwai Bala (Mpumalanga); 2012 Idols winner Khaya Mthethwa (KwaZulu-Natal); Judith Sephuma (Limpopo); Thembi Seete (Free State); Sipho “Hotstix" Mabuse (North West) and Winnie Khumalo (Western Cape) will have to pull out all the stops for their choirs to impress the judges.

“We are excited to have such great musicians on board as Judges and Choir Masters. Clash of the Choirs SA will definitely be different and highly entertaining as each and every person brings a unique element to the show,” says Yolisa Phahle, Local Interest Channel director.

The race for the prize is official, as the celebrity-headed choirs will compete against each other in a nine-week musical bonanza, presented by popular entertainment personality and social media queen, Bonang Matheba.

The top three choirs will compete in the final spectacular live show – where South Africa will vote for their favourite amateur choir. R500 000 is up for grabs (R250 000 for the charity of their choice and R250 000 for the winning choir).

Clash of the Choirs SA will debut on Sunday, 27 January at 17:30 on Mzansi Magic, channel 161 on DStv.

For more information visit www.mzansimagic.tv. Alternatively, 'Like' the Facebook page or follow @ClashoftheChoirsSA and/or @Mzansimagic on Twitter.