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Watch: SA internet users shocked by Zambian national anthem
An X (formerly Twitter) user recently learned that the popular song Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, South Africa’s national anthem, is also the tune to the anthem of several other SADC countries, including Zambia and Tanzania.
During the past week’s Africa Cup of Nations (CAF) match between Zambia and Sierra Leone, an unsuspecting X user was surprised when the Zambian national anthem played, noting its striking similarity to his own. The user, @Zweli_Thixo, expressed his amazement, stating he was unaware that these two SADC nations, along with Tanzania, shared the late Enoch Sontonga’s composition as a national anthem.
I wasn’t aware that all southern African countries have a similar national anthem. pic.twitter.com/tdTwxVVwYd
— GOD GULUVA (@Zweli_Thixo) September 15, 2024
This discovery sparked conversations among other users, many of who admitted to not knowing this piece of history. Some used the opportunity to educate others on the origins of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, explaining how Sontonga composed it in 1897. The song gained popularity through performances by Reverend JL Dube’s Ohlange Zulu Choir in Johannesburg and was later adopted as a political anthem during the Apartheid era, becoming a symbol of defiance.
Enoch Sontonga’s hymn evolved to a struggle anthem not only for the ANC but for several anti colonial movements on the continent. Countries like Zambia adopted the melody which they used for their national anthems as a show of solidarity with South Africa’s liberation movement. https://t.co/YbE97jacxO
— Zikhona Valela (@valavoosh) September 16, 2024
As a pan-African liberation hymn, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika was adopted by five SADC countries: Zambia, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa — each using the melody as a gesture of solidarity with South Africa’s struggle for liberation.
As expected, Mzansi internet users responded with humour, with @Zweli_Thixo jokingly suggesting that DJ Maphorisa should compose the next national anthem, ensuring South Africa retains the rights to the song given the producer’s infamous disputes over music masters.
I want the next anthem to be from Maphorisa… so he can keep the masters in South Africa.
— GOD GULUVA (@Zweli_Thixo) September 15, 2024
Also see: WATCH: Internet users recreate Lebo Keswa’s podcast interview
The post WATCH: SA internet users shocked to find out they share a national anthem with Zambia appeared first on Bona Magazine.
