THROUGH SONG AND DANCE, UNITED WE STAND

What is a national anthem? For a country a national anthem is defined as an uplifting or arousing melody, a solemn patriotic song bringing beating hearts together as one. In 2017, Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika was recognised by The Economist as a national anthem that goes above and beyond the general description, especially when it comes to the history of the country and its beautiful people.

The magazine named the South African anthem one of the best in the world, and we couldn’t agree more; the song is described as a “rousing tune” and "an act of musical healing". In the spirit of Ubuntu and in celebration of our nation, the Anthem Project was born.

WHAT IS THE ANTHEM PROJECT?

The Anthem Project urges members of the community to share their own rendition of the anthem in a form of dance, song or music. Sport teams, organisations, charities, families, friends, and businesses are all welcome to share their unique rendition of the powerful South African anthem. This initiative creates an opportunity for locals to showcase their passion and proclaim their hope for the country and its future.

HOW DOES THE PROJECT WORK?

It’s quite simple – all you have to do is upload your version of the national anthem on the Anthem Project’s website, tag your friends and family to vote and nominate your favourite charity. The video with the most votes and a perfect display of creativity and a sense of pride will stand a chance to win a selection of fantastic prizes. The competition ends 19 April 2019 and the winner will be announced on 17 May 2019. For more information and to upload your video visit the Anthem Project’s website here.

5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

There are very few things in South Africa that represent our diversity as perfectly as the Nkosi Sikelel’iAfrika. Find out more fascinating facts about the South African anthem and the rich history the song holds below:

Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika is one of three neo-model anthems, meaning the melody of the song starts in one key and ends with another.

The South African anthem was officially adopted in 1997, after former President Nelson Mandela called for Nkosi Sikelel’iAfrika and Die Stem to be shortened and combined into the song we all know and love today.

The anthem consist of five out of the eleven official languages of South Africa. These languages include, isiXhosa, isiZulu, seSotho, Afrikaans and English.

The melody of the national anthem was arranged by two people named Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph, a renowned composer, pianist and teacher and Mzilikazi Khumalo, a composer and Professor of African Languages.

In 2007, the Nkosi Sikelel’iAfrika was named one of the best national anthems in the world due to its musical ability to heal.

We encourage all South African to stand together and partake in the uplifting Anthem Project. For international visitors, our unity and rainbow nation continues to inspire. In addition, we pride ourselves in being South African and supporting local. To experience the essence and rich history of our nation, visit the Shimansky Diamond Experience and discover the country’s most beautiful treasure, a diamond. For more information on the Shimansky Experiences visit our site here