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The first mask has fallen on The Masked Singer South Africa Season 3, and it’s none other than comedy heavyweight Trevor Gumbi.

The beloved stand-up comedian, actor, writer and TV personality was revealed as Ponte Tower during Saturday’s premiere on SABC 2, making him the first celebrity to be unmasked in the new season.

Disguised as an icon of the Johannesburg skyline, Gumbi took to the stage in a towering costume to perform TKZee’s classic “Dlala Mapantsula”. The high-energy song-and-dance number had the crowd and the panel completely stumped.

The detectives were way off
The Season 3 detective panel J’Something, Sithelo Shozi, Skhumba and Somizi Mhlongo threw out guesses ranging from podcast host MacG and Trevor Noah to SK Khoza and Bongani Fassie.

Only Somizi came close in the final round, taking a last-minute shot at “another Trevor… an actor and comedian” and nailing it.

After the votes from the audience and panel were counted, Ponte Tower was sent to the Danger Zone with Leopard, before ultimately being sent home and unmasked.

Life inside the mask
Speaking after the reveal, Gumbi shared what it was really like performing in the massive costume.
“There is a ceiling fan inside the mask,” he laughed. “But it was over my right eye – the one that can see!”

With a career spanning stand-up, television, writing and acting, Gumbi is one of Mzansi’s most recognisable entertainers. His unmasking sets the tone for what promises to be another unpredictable season.

What to expect this season
The Masked Singer South Africa sees 16 A-list celebrities hide behind elaborate costumes as they compete for the coveted Golden Mask trophy. Each week, four Masks go head-to-head with clues, sing-offs and wild detective guesses deciding who stays.

This season the show has moved to its new home on SABC 2.

Watch The Masked Singer South Africa Season 3:
Premiere: Saturdays at 19:00 on SABC 2
Repeats: Thursdays at 21:00 on SABC 1 and Fridays at 13:30 on SABC 2