Brenden Praise revealed as Pineapple on The Masked Singer SA after dramatic elimination

Brenden Praise has been revealed as the powerhouse voice behind Pineapple on The Masked Singer South Africa, ending weeks of speculation about the identity of one of the competition’s most versatile performers.

The former Idols South Africa runner-up, Grammy nominee, producer and entrepreneur was unmasked following a nail-biting quarter-final elimination on SABC 2’s guessing game.

His reveal also uncovered a surprising detail about his childhood: at 13, Brenden had trials with Kaizer Chiefs but lost out on the opportunity because he did not have his birth certificate when the club returned for him.

Although J’Something, Somizi and Sithelo Shozi had all floated Brenden’s name at different points in the competition, it was Lady Detective Sithelo whose final guess proved correct.

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Pineapple eliminated in The Masked Singer SA’s closest vote

The quarter-final saw the six remaining Masks face three showdowns.

Chopsticks went up against Sheep, Gogga battled Mosquito, while Pineapple faced playful pooch Spotty.

Former guest detectives Tbo Touch and Moshe Ndiki joined the investigation, stepping in for regular panellists J’Something and Skhumba Hlophe.

After the performances, Chopsticks, Gogga and Pineapple landed in the Danger Zone.

The judges saved Gogga, leaving Chopsticks and Pineapple fighting for the final place in the semi-final.

In the season’s closest vote, Pineapple was eliminated and forced to reveal his identity.

Beneath the tropical disguise was Brenden Praise.

For Sithelo, the result was bittersweet. She had become a firm Pineapple fan after watching him tackle a range of musical styles throughout the competition.

What songs did Pineapple perform?

Pineapple’s performances showcased his versatility throughout his time on The Masked Singer South Africa.

He performed Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things”, the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way”, Pitbull and Kesha’s “Timber”, and amapiano favourite “Bengicela” by MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay and Thukuthela.

For his final performance, Pineapple took on Chris Brown’s “Residuals”, once again showcasing his vocal range.

But while his voice had the detectives considering Brenden’s name, the show’s collection of clues kept them guessing.

The clues that pointed to Brenden Praise

Pineapple’s clues covered faith, rejection, movement, upbringing and a singing competition.

Viewers and detectives were presented with golden trophies, cravings, misty mountains, a subtropical farm, a town famous for pancakes and references to driving while listening to soft music.

His final clue package showed Pineapple mixing drinks decorated with international flags.

“My tongue learnt to travel long before my passport did,” he declared, prompting Somizi to suggest that Pineapple was multilingual.

Another clue featured something roasted, something that moves, represented by a Man in Black riding a bicycle, and something Pineapple believed in, symbolised by a cross on the beach.

The detectives considered several possible identities, including Kabelo Mabalane, ProVerb and Dumi Mkokstad.

Sithelo, however, returned to Brenden Praise.

One clue finally made everything click: roasted coffee beans.

Brenden is the owner of Sunday Coffee, explaining the connection.

Brenden Praise reveals his Kaizer Chiefs trial

Another clue, a mysterious pair of gold-and-black boots, pointed to a completely different part of Brenden’s life.

Brenden revealed that he had trials with Kaizer Chiefs when he was 13 and believed he had performed well enough to progress.

However, when the club returned for him, he did not have his birth certificate.

That led to questions about his age and ultimately cost him the opportunity.

With Brenden finally revealed as Pineapple, the collection of seemingly unrelated clues began falling into place.

Who is left on The Masked Singer South Africa?

Pineapple’s elimination leaves five Masks heading into the semi-final.

The Top 5 return on Saturday, 19 September at 19:00 on SABC 2.

Viewers who missed Pineapple’s unmasking have another opportunity to watch the episode, with a rebroadcast on Thursday at 21:00 on SABC 1 and Friday at 13:30 on SABC 2.

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