Overview
- An Italian opera singer performed Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika before the Springboks’ match against Italy in Turin over the weekend and drew heavy criticism for mispronunciation and timing.
- Social media users derided the delivery, with many comparing it to Ras Dumisani’s notorious 2009 rendition.
- Footage circulated via SuperSport’s channels, accelerating complaints and mockery online.
- Commenters highlighted the anthem’s mix of isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans and English as a challenge for non‑native singers and urged the use of local vocalists.
- Coverage placed the incident alongside previous contested performances by Kurt Darren, Hercules Smith and Innocent Masuku, and no official response had been reported.