Sakkie Langarm (30 August - 6 December 2003)

A musical program in the form of a band competition on Kyknet (DSTV) broadcasting live from MNET studios in Randburg, Johannesburg. Eight langarm bands and eight boereorkeste compete live in front of a studio audience in separate competitions every consecutive Saturday from 20h00 to 21h00. The competition is based on the three resident judges and viewers phone-in voting line, on the night of the show. There are four preliminary rounds. The four bands with the highest votes in thepreliminary rounds go through to the semi-final. The finalists are the twobands with the highest votes. The winning band in the semi-finals and finals are solely chosen by the viewers’ voting-in line.

Left to Right: Chris, Arnold, Rubin, Leslie “Mr Bones” & Lance

Each band plays five songs of which one should be their original composition. Two of the five should be from local “South African” artists. Trophies for best original composition, best saxophone player and the winning band as well as great prize money for the finalists. The langarm competition started in 2001.

Preliminary round:18 October 2003 Philadelphias versus Johnny Apollis and Nerina Brass Philadelphias won with the highest overall votes, 91%

Semi-finals: 1 November 2003 Philadelphias versus Jam Alley Philadelphias won trophy for the best original composition “Tune for G” a special song, written for the comp (in memory of Gerald- Who inspired, taught and gave us the opportunity to showcase our musical talents) A collective effort by the five of us in composing this song.

Finals: 29 November 2003 Philadelphias versus Five Stars Five Stars won by 30 votes