Quotes from the Kaaps Team: 

Genevieve:

"This week has been an experience I will never forget. I've learned so much, and will now translate every Scripture I read in Kaaps.

I've experienced the psalms in a whole new light and have learned to go deeper when reading them. Translating Scripture into Kaaps makes it so much more relatable and understandable.

A whole new world has been opened in my daily Bible study process, and I will forever cherish this experience."

Kaede:

"When the team first came to the church, I was here and I could see what you were doing. So, when I started this week, I knew somewhat what was going to happen. But being in the group exceeded my expectations! I learned the difference between memorizing and internalising the scriptures which will really help me when I study scriptures on my own. The group also allowed me to grow more in my vocal capabilities."

Geraldine:

"What an experience! This time around I could relate with the rhyme, similes, etc. even more. I could see my life in all the psalms - how it intensifies, how life saddens, even dance and praise, laments - and understand how God looks out for His people, Him being sovereign in everything and all things. If it had not been for the Lord, where would I have been!!"

Lauren:

"The process is very creative and engaging. Psalm 91 was a very special psalm; very personal and relevant to anyone's life... those close to God. Psalm 124! hard work but an awesome insight and revelation to the Scripture. Thank you."

Shawn:

"When a few of us met for the first time to attend the Psalms that Sing workshop in Kaaps, we had no idea what we were to discover. We knew we had a language that belonged to the people and the streets, but had no idea of its authenticity and uniqueness in our country and among our people. It is spoken of and should be recognized as such. We fell in love with our sound again. We felt validated.

I was reminded of Isaiah 41:14-16. After having thought so little of our mother tongue and voice, we soon found ourselves rejoicing at the discovery of our dignity and validation of each other. Having said that, we also realized we have a long way to go. During the workshops we are constantly checking in with each other to see if the vernacular is authentic to us and to those on the ground and in the streets of the Cape flats, as it was not to be confused or reduced to a cheaper version of ourselves.

Loose as the language may sound to the untrained ear, we discovered a definite order and structure in the way things are said and what it means. This language was handed down to us by our mothers, fathers, aunties and uncles, our brothers and sisters, and we are determined to do good by them! This remains a work in progress though, as we are but in a discovery stage. As we speak the language it becomes almost tangible. The rich array of metaphors and similes, the colourful images, the play on words, the eccentric rhyming and enticing rhythmic patterns and movements… it will all leave you wanting more.

As we try to marry this with the Psalms, we are mindful to remain authentic to the Word. One thing that rings true to the Kaaps people is the deep regard and respect for God and His Word; avoid blasphemy at all costs. You will definitely be reprimanded by your elder or peer if the translation is not careful. For this, we have our ancestors to thank, and we are determined to hand a good translation down to the next generations.

Auwe my bro auwe! Lat os an march. (Let’s move forward)"