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Farewell to the flock, SA’s first-ever duo bows out just before the finale.

They danced, they sang, they pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes. The Masked Singer South Africa’s first-ever duo, Sheep have officially been unmasked and behind the fluffy costumes were power couple Simz Ngema and Tino Chinyani.

For weeks, the cuddly fan-favourites grazed their way into viewers’ hearts on SABC 2, leaving the detective panel completely stumped. That is until the semi-final, when J’Something finally followed the breadcrumbs to the right pasture.

Mama Sheep is no stranger to the spotlight. Simz Ngema first made her mark as Thuli Nkosi in SABC’s Muvhango, before starring in Broken Vows, The Queen, Isidingo and Rockville. She also releases music as Quing Simz.

Papa Sheep, Tino Chinyani has journeyed from international runways as a top model to co-hosting e.tv’s The Morning Show and now performs Afro-pop and Afrobeats as Tiyani Afrika.

Tino described his time behind the mask as “absolutely liberating” while Simz said she loved finally showcasing her triple-threat talent.

In a super-sized semi-final, the detective panel grew to five with Somizi Mhlongo, J’Something, Sithelo Shozi, Skhumba Hlophe and guest detective amapiano sensation Zee Nxumalo.

Sheep raised the barn roof with a vibrant rendition of Justin Bieber’s Beauty and a Beat ft. Nicki Minaj. Their final clue package spoke of road trips, roast lunches, birthdays and festive reunions. Holding a copy of The Silence of the Lambs, Mama Sheep teased: “I’ve spent years becoming and convincing you that I am.”

The Mystery Box then dropped the biggest hints: a tiny red toy sewing machine (a nod to Tino’s fashion roots), a statue of Mother Mary (Simz’s devout faith as a pastor’s daughter), a gold bar and an eagle statuette (Tino’s eagle tattoo).

J’Something cracked it. Recalling Simz’s famous post after buying her Range Rover “Call me Miss Rover from now on”. He connected the recurring Range Rover clue and correctly guessed Simz and Tino.

The rest of the panel went in different directions: Somizi guessed DJ Shimza and Athi Geleba, Zee went with Pabi Moloi and Focalistic, while Sithelo and Skhumba locked in Reason and Gigi Lamayne.

After solo performances from Gogga, Mosquito, Chopsticks, Spotty and Sheep, the vote sent Chopsticks and Mosquito straight to the finale. Sheep, Spotty and Gogga were left in danger, and ultimately, it was time to slaughter the Sheep mask.

Though they narrowly missed the finale, Sheep will go down as one of the most memorable acts of Season 3, joyful, affectionate and baa-rilliantly disguised.

Who will take the Golden Trophy? Find out in the much-anticipated finale.

The Masked Singer South Africa Season 3 airs on SABC 2 on Saturdays at 19:00, with repeats on SABC 1 on Thursdays at 21:00 and SABC 2 on Fridays at 13:30.