Jack Parow revealed as Spinach on The Masked Singer SA

Rapper Jack Parow was unmasked as Spinach during the latest episode of The Masked Singer South Africa.

The SABC 2 guessing show also introduced Pangolin as a surprise detective before revealing Metro FM presenter Tbo Touch inside the costume.

The episode marked another first when J’Something correctly identified the celebrity behind a Mask this season.

Five Masks perform solo

Sushi, Spinach, Gogga, Pineapple and Sheep returned to the stage after several weeks of face-offs.

For the first time this season, each contestant performed alone as they competed to reach the next round.

Spinach previously performed Shaggy’s “Boombastic”, leaving detectives J’Something, Somizi Mhlongo, Sithelo Shozi and Skhumba unsure of his identity.

Spinach’s clues pointed to the Western Cape

Spinach’s first clue package used recognisable Johannesburg scenes, but he said his hometown was known for grapes, pumpkin and wheat.

“The West Coast in the Karoo modelled what you see on stage,” he said.

He also said he travelled the world without leaving his lounge, guided by spinning circles connected to his family’s treasure.

Another clue hinted at his previous career.

“I studied how to make ideas look beautiful before pixels took over the world.”

Before becoming known as Jack Parow, he worked as a professional graphic designer.

Detectives name rugby players, actors and rappers

Spinach said he had “childhood curls better suited to a sheep than a rugby player”.

Somizi responded by naming Springbok wing Bryan Habana.

Sithelo chose actor Brendan Daniels based on the Johannesburg scenes, while Skhumba linked Spinach’s Cape Town accent to Clint Brink.

J’Something correctly suspected a Cape Town rapper but initially guessed YoungstaCPT.

Rugby and brandy clues narrow the search

Spinach returned this week with a performance of Johnny Clegg’s “Great Heart”.

J’Something later said he had never heard Jack Parow sing in that way.

Another clue revealed that Spinach had spent his school years “chasing fun, friendships and conversions across the field”.

Jack Parow played Craven Week rugby and was skilled enough to continue playing after matric.

A spinning car appeared in another clue package before Spinach spoke about his preparation before performing.

“Some people warm up with silence; I prefer mine poured over ice,” he said.

He then produced a bottle of his signature drink, The Parow Brandy.

Pangolin delivers another clue

Spinach hinted that his childhood pet was a parrot.

The clue package also showed birdseed labelled “keto”.

Pangolin then offered the detectives another detail: “Long before creativity found paper and screen, Spinach wanted to design spaces people lived in.”

The alcohol reference led Sithelo towards Handré Pollard, who is a spokesperson for a brandy label he co-founded. She eventually selected Benni McCarthy as her final answer.

Somizi guessed DJ Ready, while Skhumba remained with Clint Brink.

J’Something identifies Jack Parow

J’Something reconsidered Spinach’s earlier rapping and the reference to his preparation not being “poetic”.

The keto clue reminded him of a colleague who had spoken about losing weight and had his own brandy label.

The parrot clue confirmed his theory.

“It’s a parrot’s Parow… Jack Parow!” J’Something exclaimed.

His guess was correct.

Tbo Touch revealed as Pangolin

Sushi, Pineapple and Spinach entered the Danger Zone following the audience vote.

Before the final elimination, Pangolin was unmasked as Metro FM presenter Tbo Touch.

The detectives saved Pineapple, while Sushi secured enough audience votes to remain in the competition.

Spinach was eliminated and revealed as Jack Parow.

Jack Parow reflects on the experience

“I had such a good time under the Mask. It was really, really fun,” Jack Parow told host Mpho Popps.

The rapper said he did not know what to expect from the show but left with a greater appreciation for performers who work in large costumes at places such as Disneyland.

“Because this is intense!” he exclaimed. “But it’s the coolest thing. I had such a good time.”

When to watch The Masked Singer South Africa

New episodes air on SABC 2 on Saturdays at 19:00.

Rebroadcasts air on SABC 1 on Thursdays at 21:00 and on SABC 2 on Fridays at 13:30.

Read Inbound SA online