South Africans are waiting with bated breath for this weekend’s clash between the Springboks and the All Blacks. They’re also anticipating another emotional rendition of the national anthem, this time sung by the Mzansi Youth Choir.
The rivals’ clash is one of two that will take place on 31 October and 7 September at Ellis Park (now Emirates Airline Park) and the DHL Stadium.
WHICH NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCE WAS YOUR FAVOURITE?
The Springboks are in the middle of their 2024 test match schedule. In recent weeks, they have played Ireland, Portugal, Australia, and Wales.
We’ve also witnessed some amazing – and less than impressive – renditions of the national anthem.
Here’s a look back at them in chronological order.
Hercules Smith
In June, Pretoria singer Hercules Smith sang at the first Springboks match in Twickenham. Although the Boks kickstarted their winning streak, Hercules’s performance – likely marred by sound issues – was hailed as one of the worst in recent years.
KB Motsilanyane
In July, actress and singer KB delivered a phenomenal performance at the Springboks’ first match on home soil at Loftus.
Her moving execution involved allowing the crowd to finish singing Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika.
Ntokozo Mbambo
A week later, gospel singer Ntokoko of the Joyous Celebration group performed another emotional rendition of the national anthem in Durban.
Jody Williams
The 2007 Idols SA winner was next on the list, returning to the spotlight to sing the national anthem in Bloemfontein.
The singing competition winner – who previously vowed to quit music – performed at the Springboks first-ever test match against Portugal.
Micasa lead singer J’Something – who was born in Portugal – performed the anthem on behalf of his birth country.
Bradley Kalo
In August, Cape Town born singer Bradley, now living in Brisbane, sang the anthem at the Springbboks vs Australia game.
The star united expats in song and dance outside the Suncorp Stadium.
Bobby van Jaarsveld
A week later, Afrikaans pop star Bobby performed the anthem in the pouring rain in Perth.
“What an honour,” he said of the opportunity to sing on behalf of the national team.
MZANSI YOUTH CHOIR GEARING UP FOR BEST ONE YET?
Meanwhile, SA Rugby confirmed that the Mzansi Youth Choir had been tasked with performing the national anthem at the highly-anticipated Springboks vs All Blacks game.
It’s not the first time the group of vibrant singers have performed Nkosi Sikeli’ iAfrika. In 2021, the group performed alongside Lira when the Boks played the British and Irish Lions in Cape Town’s DHL Stadium.
They’re also credited with making America’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell cry with their tear-jerking performance in the US competition last year.
WHICH NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCE WAS THE BEST?
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