The country was captivated by the search for the choir of choirs that saw hopefuls auditioning countrywide for a chance to be part of this one-of-a-kind reality show. For the duration of the series, Clash of the Choirs SA became the most watched programme in its timeslot, with viewership increasing each week as the choirs and choirmasters showed how everything from R&B to soul and kwaito can be masterly performed in this format.

In the end, it was Khaya Mthethwa’s handpicked 20-piece choir from KwaZulu-Natal that eventually took the crown – and the R750 000 grand prize, with R250 000 going to the Siyanakekela charity in Umlazi.

Mthethwa’s choir was up against Zakes Bantwini’s Gauteng team and Zwai Bala’s Mpumalanga singers. Just who the choirmasters will be in 2014 remains to be seen but one thing’s for sure: they will represent the best that the South African music industry has to offer and bring their unique crowd-pleasing twist to South Africa’s traditional choral music.

The format of the second season of Clash of the Choirs SA remains unchanged.

After the regional auditions, during which each choir or singer performs an acapella version of a song of their choice, the seven choirmasters will select the best choir or assemble the best singers to create their own choir. With expert coaching to develop the singers and guided by the vision of the choirmaster, these seven choirs will eventually be whittled down to only three for the grand finale.

The exciting news for aspirant choristers in the Eastern Cape is that this time around the search for the country’s best choir will include East London. Auditions will also be held in Gauteng (Johannesburg), KwaZulu-Natal (Durban), Free State (Bloemfontein), Mpumalanga (city to be confirmed), Western Cape (Cape Town) and Polokwane (city to be confirmed). Audition dates will be announced shortly.

“There is no doubt that Clash of the Choirs hit the mark with our viewers and we’re thrilled to be able to bring Season 2 to fans of this brilliant reality show,” says Yolisa Phahle, M-Net’s director of Local Interest Channels.

“The combination of showcasing South Africa’s strong choral tradition and the truly brilliant choir masters turned Season 1 into a show-stopper and we’ve no doubt that this year the standard will only get higher,” adds Phahle.

With Metropolitan as official sponsor, and excitement already brewing, the stage is set for a Clash of the Choirs SA season that will be a highlight of Mzansi Magic’s programming in 2014.

Belinda Faulkner brand executive for Metropolitan said: “We are elated to be the official sponsor of the second season of Clash of the Choirs. I anticipate the show gaining even more popularity in 2014 as auditions unearth South Africa’s undiscovered talent. Last year, the energy of the show was palpable and this year will be no different with auditions kicking off in provinces soon.”

Competitors must be 18 years or older and detailed information will be available soon.

Clash of the choirs SA Season 2 is produced by Endemol South Africa.