Time runs out for showbiz all-rounder Psyfo and his Clock on The Masked Singer South Africa.
In the latest episode of SABC 2’s spectacular guessing game, The Masked Singer South Africa Season 3, former child star, television presenter, singer, songwriter, producer and media executive Sipho “Psyfo” Ngwenya was unmasked as the celebrity ticking on stage as the show’s mysterious Clock. But until Psyfo showed his face, he completely bamboozled the show’s super-detectives, J’Something, Somizi Mhlongo, Sithelo Shozi and Skhumba Hlophe.
This time, the four Masks lined up for the musical battles were the fabulously fresh Sushi, the captivating Clock, the supersized Spinach and the puzzling Pineapple.
In the first showdown, Sushi rolled up against Clock, who let every minute count, performing “I Like to Move It“, a popular track from the movie Madagascar.
Knowing the clues are scattered everywhere, the four detectives dialled into every snippet of potential evidence – Clock’s movements, costume, song choice, and, of course, the vital videotaped clue package introducing the chiming star.
In this prelude to a showstopping performance, Clock teased about counting among the young elite and about being a lifelong student trapped in the mind of a young perfectionist. “I didn’t chase fame – I tripped over it in front of everyone,” Clock revealed, a hint that rings true.
Unfortunately, these cryptic clues did not ring any alarm bells for J’Something and Somizi, who admitted that Clock was a confusing character. Then, the question Skhumba was allowed to direct at Clock snoozed their brain cells even more. Skhumba wanted to know who Clock’s childhood hero was, to which Clock chimed, “My role model dazzled crowds with his flair and recently turned his name into his title.”
When the detectives had to make their initial guesses, a stumped J’Something clutched at the young elite reference, taking a stab in the dark by naming celebrated singer Zoë Modiga. Meanwhile, Somizi recalled there were also dessert references in the clue package, which led him to Khanyi Mbau, who had lived in Dubai for a while. But based on Clock’s skinny legs, Somizi then settled on comedic content creator Tumi Stopnonsons.
After failing to identify her close friend, Linda Mtoba, as Lady Monster in the previous episode, the pressure was on for Sithelo. Trying to redeem herself, she also focused on Clock’s physique and named actor Sandile Mahlangu. Then Skhumba joked that Clock’s “chopsticks legs” were “set at half-past six“, so it must be an athlete like middle-distance runner and Olympic silver medallist Hezekiél Sepeng. Or perhaps Caster Semenya.
Unfortunately, Clock’s hourglass started to run out as the superfans and detectives voted in favour of Sushi. As Spinach also turned out to be the Dish of the Day in the second face-off, Clock then ran into Pineapple in the danger zone. However, Pineapple kept his place on the pizza in the final vote.
So, the detectives had to timestamp their definitive guesses about Clock’s identity. J’Something changed tack and clocked in the comedian Dillan Oliphant, but Somizi stuck with his original verdict, Tumi Stopnonsons. Sithelo vacillated between Esona Maphumulo, the son of Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee, and the singer Ciza Nciza, ultimately choosing the latter as her final guess. Skhumba locked in DJ and producer Kabza de Small, reasoning that no one had ever seen his legs.
The panel was rendered speechless when Clock struck unmasking o’clock. Ding-dong, it was Psyfo! Psyfo started his entertainment career as a child performer on Kideo Pops, then presented programmes such as Star Search and YoTV, and later acted in Generations. And the lifelong student clue? Sipho Ngwenya, aka Psyfo, holds an MBA from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science.
He told show host Mpho Popps that he was a huge fan of the show and relished the opportunity to be a Mask. Furthermore, he revealed that he picked “I Like to Move It” for his performance because it’s his son’s favourite song.
The Masked Singer South Africa is produced by Rose and Oaks Media for Primedia Studios and is sponsored by Andolex®, King Pie and Mentos.
The Masked Singer South Africa airs on Saturday at 19:00 on SABC 2, and is produced by Rose and Oaks Media for Primedia Studios, and is sponsored by Andolex®, King Pie and Mentos. Rebroadcasts are on Thursdays at 21:00 on SABC 1 and Fridays at 13:30 on SABC 2.
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