The Masked Singer South Africa

Each season of The Masked Singer South Africa features a group of celebrity contestants.^[1][2] In a typical episode, four contestants anonymously in costume each sing for panelists and an audience.^[3][4] Hints to their identities, known as the "clue package" are given before and occasionally after each performs. The perennial format is a taped interview with a celebrity's electronically masked voice narrating a video showing cryptic allusions to what they are known for. During screenings of the clue packages, after performances and before an elimination, the panelists are given time to speculate on each singer's identity out loud and write comments in note binders.^[5] They may ask questions and the host may offer additional clues.^[6][7]

After performances conclude, the audience and panelists vote for their favorite singer using an electronic device.^[8] The show uses a weighted voting system; panelists' and audience members' votes are worth 50 percent each and combined to form a score. The least popular contestant then takes off their mask to reveal their identity. This process of elimination continues for a set number of episodes until four contestants remain in the season finale and one is declared the winner after they perform again.^[9] The "Golden Mask" trophy is awarded as a prize.^[10] Voting does not occur for certain performances; contestants in an episode might occasionally sing as a group, and each episode concludes with the eliminated celebrity singing an encore unmasked.^[11][12] Occasionally, the eliminated celebrity sings their signature song unmasked.^[13] To continue attracting viewers, producers often modify the format each season.^[14]

The permanent panel consists of television personality and actor Somizi Mhlongo, musician and former celebrity chef J Something, socialite and media personality Sithelo Shozi, and comedian Skhumba Hlophe.^[15][16] Mpho Popps hosts the show from season 1–present.^[17][18]