When Five Languages Meet Opera: Anthem Misstep Sparks Social Media Fire
This past weekend, rugby fans in Mzansi were ready for a classic showdown: Springboks vs Italy. The braais were sizzling, drinks in hand, and eyes glued to the pitch. But before the first whistle, the ritual that South Africans hold dear—the singing of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika—took center stage.
And, well… let’s just say it didn’t quite hit the mark.
A Performance That Missed the Mark
The Italian opera singer tasked with performing the national anthem struggled to navigate its five languages: isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, and English. Pronunciation and phrasing stumbled under stadium acoustics and the pressure of live TV, leaving many fans shaking their heads.
For a country where the anthem is not just a song but a symbol of unity and pride, missteps are never taken lightly.
Social Media Reacts
Social media exploded as viewers weighed in:
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Instagram user @secondtime_love joked: “Wow, I can’t understand why they got her to sing, shame never mind the Afrikaans, the other parts were probably even more Greek to her 😂😂😂”
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@robyn_jansen showed empathy: “Poor woman had to learn five languages.”
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@ristowlexi was blunt: “It’s time we started taking our own singers with us, that was just pathetic 😮.”
Fans were quick to point out that it’s not just about hitting the notes. The nuances of clicks in isiXhosa, tonal flow in isiZulu, and the elongated vowels of Afrikaans are elements that resonate with locals but are difficult for outsiders to master.
@reskahamm summed it up for many: “There was most definitely someone in the crowd that sings the SA anthem better.”
A Lesson in Authenticity
While the performer tried her best, the incident highlighted something South Africans know instinctively: some songs are best sung by those who live and breathe them. Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika isn’t just about melody—it’s about history, pride, and a sense of belonging that can’t be faked.
The weekend’s anthem hiccup was a reminder that in Mzansi, national pride trumps opera finesse.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@FNBSA}