Luigi de Klerk, a celebrated showman of the Kaapse Klopse minstrel tradition, has died after slipping into a diabetic coma last week and suffering hypoxia to the brain. He passed away in the early hours of Saturday at 2:15am, his sister Sandra confirmed.
- Who: Luigi de Klerk, beloved Kaapse Klopse MC and entertainer.
- When: Died early Saturday at 2:15am after a diabetic coma.
- Cause: Diabetic coma and resulting hypoxia in the brain.
- Funeral: Planned for next Monday at St George’s Anglican Church in Silvertown.
- Survived by: Wife Geraldine and a stepdaughter.
The Legacy
For decades Luigi de Klerk was a central figure in Cape Town’s minstrel carnival culture. His top contributions include:
- Voice of the Klopse MC — famed for his energetic hosting and memorable one-liners (lekker sê-goed) on the microphone at competitions such as the Voice of the Klopse.
- Longtime entertainer at Athlone Stadium — he regularly filled the stadium with humour and warmth during Klopse season.
- Host of marching band competitions — including a recent event in Paarl the week before he fell ill, demonstrating his commitment to the tradition until his final days.
What Happened
According to his sister Sandra de Klerk, Luigi’s health had been deteriorating this year. He fell into a diabetic coma at home last Monday; paramedics incubated and rushed him to hospital where he was admitted to ICU. Doctors informed the family the next day that his condition was critical and he was extubated. He remained alive until Saturday morning when he passed away.
The death came as a preview event for the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) was held in Kenilworth, casting a pall over the build-up to the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival set for Tweede Nuwejaar on January 2, 2026.
Social Proof — Reactions and Tributes
Messages of sorrow and celebration of his life poured in across the Klopse community. Local tribute page Innie Kaap wrote: “A legend has fallen! The iconic MC, Mr. Luigi De Klerk has passed on. He was much loved, and will always be fondly remembered… And YOU, were GREAT, Luigi! Rest softly. Condolences to the family.”
Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association director Muneeb Gambeno called his passing “a sad moment for the Klopse community,” noting that although Luigi stopped working as an MC at carnival events about nine years ago, he remained beloved for his showmanship.
Sandra de Klerk said the family will hold a funeral next Monday at St George’s Anglican Church in Silvertown. Luigi is survived by his wife Geraldine and his stepdaughter; the family previously lost their children.
Why This Matters
Luigi de Klerk’s passing removes a familiar voice from Cape Town’s cultural calendar and marks a somber moment for performers and fans who have long associated his presence with the Klopse season. Tributes underline how integral his humour and ceremony were to the carnival’s spirit — a reminder of the deep personal and communal bonds woven through this heritage art form.
Condolences to Luigi’s family and all who loved him as Cape Town prepares to honour his memory during the upcoming festivities.
Image Referance: https://capeargus.co.za/news/2025-12-14-kaapse-klopse-community-mourns-the-loss-of-legendary-showman-luigi-de-klerk/