Bokke Fans – Learn to Sing the South African Anthem the Easy Way

For all the Springbok fans gearing up for the Rugby World Cup match between South Africa and the USA in London later today, it’s time to get ready to sing the National Anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. Here are all the words and tips you need to sing it loud and proud! (And a BONUS fan video below…)

The South African National Anthem

The words…

Nkosi sikelel’ Afrika Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo, Y
izwa imithandazo yethu, Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,
O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho,
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,
Setjhaba sa South Afrika – South Afrika.

Uit die blou van onse hemel,
Uit die diepte van ons see,
Oor ons ewige gebergtes,
Waar die kranse antwoord gee,

Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.

***

The meaning…

The first verse is in Xhosa and Zulu, the second in Sesotho, the third in Afrikaans and the fourth in English. Roughly translated, the first three verses in English are:

Lord bless Africa
May her glory be lifted high
Hear our petitions
Lord bless us, your children

Lord we ask You to protect our nation
Intervene and end all conflicts
Protect us, protect our nation
Protect South Africa, South Africa

Out of the blue of our heavens
Out of the depths of our seas
Over our everlasting mountains
Where the echoing crags resound

The pronounciation… 

South African comedians teach the anthem phonetically.

The inspiration…

Springbok fans spontaneously sang the anthem on Saturday night after the winning match against Scotland. Filmed by Kevin Brouard…