Tumisho Masha revealed as Leopard on The Masked Singer SA

The cat is officially out of the bag.

For weeks, The Masked Singer South Africa‘s sleek and spirited Leopard had the detectives chasing their tails on SABC 2’s popular guessing game.

While it was clear that the man behind the mysterious feline was a heavyweight performer, it took some serious sleuthing before Somizi Mhlongo and Lady Detective Sithelo Shozi connected the spots.

Behind the mask was SAFTA-winning actor, television host and international screen star Tumisho Masha.

Tumisho Masha was hiding behind Leopard

Masha won a SAFTA for his leading role in the drama The Wild and has appeared in local shows including Isidingo and Saints and Sinners.

His career has also taken him onto the international stage.

In Mandela’s Gun, Masha became the first South African actor to portray Nelson Mandela, earning top acting honours at the 2018 Harlem International Film Festival.

His international credits also include Drum, where he played writer and journalist Can Themba, Catch a Fire and Beyond Borders, in which he shared the screen with Angelina Jolie.

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Leopard had the detectives guessing

Leopard was the first Mask viewers met in Season 3.

His opening clues included being recognised “at home and beyond”, but a music award and his impressive vocals sent the detective panel in a different direction, with several musical superstars suggested.

During this week’s quarter-final, Leopard performed John Legend’s “A Good Night”.

Host Mpho Popps then brought back the “Cluenundrum”, challenging the detectives to decipher a jumble of letters.

Leopard’s C-A-L-E-H-I-M was quickly decoded by Sithelo as “Michael”.

J’Something followed the clue to Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”, noting Leopard’s recurring broken-mirror references.

He connected it to the isiZulu word isibuko and ultimately guessed singer and rapper Sjava.

Somizi believed Leopard had the same swagger as Jonas from The Polygamist, played by S’dumo Mtshali.

Sithelo, however, trusted her instincts and correctly identified Tumisho Masha.

Guest detective Jason Goliath remained unconvinced, first guessing Sizwe Dhlomo and later DJ Sabby.

Leopard loses the Danger Zone showdown

After landing in the Danger Zone against Spotty, Leopard’s time on the show came to an end when the dog emerged victorious.

Before the mask came off, J’Something stuck with Sjava, while Somizi changed his guess to Tumisho.

Sithelo’s confidence was ultimately vindicated when Masha was revealed beneath the Leopard mask.

Explaining the recurring mirror motif in his clues, Masha said it represented self-reflection after years in entertainment: “It’s all about staying true to yourself as things change.”

When to catch the repeat

Those who missed the episode of The Masked Singer South Africa Season 3 have two opportunities to catch the rebroadcast.

The episode airs again on Thursday at 9pm on SABC 1 and Friday at 1.30pm on SABC 2.

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