By a MILE! Brings tears to my eyes, and I'm a Brit. When I first heard this at the World Cup Final in 1995 I thought this anthem alone is probably worth 3 points to SA; Mandela in the crowd another 7. They won 15-12.
I will never forget the night we danced till the vuvuzela's died. The night that Xhosa, Afrikaans, Zulu, Capetonian, Upper Boereworsgordynian, English, uFrench, Malasian and Koi-San and a triple treble of proud and strong tribes merged into a tre-trefoil of fortune. South Africans, World Champions of Rugby. World Champions of Peace. Next stop, World Champions of Prosperity
south africans you were blessed with a beautiful land, rich in nature and if enough this also one of the most incredible personages of human history NELSON MANDELA
Fantastic clip!!! Just look at them - I've never seen a national team who looks that proud! Usually there's just a few guys singing, & it sounds more like mumbling - But EVERY SINGLE ONE is singing here, loud & clear!!!
I've never been to South Africa (though I hope to visit), rugby is pretty much nonexistent in my country, and I've never shed a tear during our own national anthem… but this had me in tears. The feeling captured in this video is something else.
I'm Finnish. I don't care one bit about patriotism, but national anthems work as symbols of unity, and when thousands of people unite singing for the same reason, I can't help but be touched. This is a prime example - sports events have a way of uniting people, and a stadium singing in unison is simply beautiful.
I think this is one of the most beautiful and powerful national anthems. I love that the national anthem symbolizes the unity of everyone in South Africa, regardless of the country's past history. The words and music are very moving.
I was there 3rd tier just behind the posts amazing atmosphere , South African fans are brilliant spent the day in Paris drinking with them in my England shirt , South Africa deserved to win outplayed us in every department
Best anthem in the world! No doubt. I like the five languages and the way both melodies are integrated into one anthem and the change of pace between Nkosi Sikelele and the Afrikaans part. Groeten uit Nederland :)
The last part of _"Die Stem van Suid-Afrika",_ in the anthem, is not only in Afrikaans but also English. There are actually five different languages in the anthem! It's really unique.
Being an American, I can honstly say this is the best National Anthem I have heard. I also, like India's and South Korea's National Anthem. They sooth the soul when listen too. Nothing against my National Anthem but you have to give credit where credit is due.
the best SA anthem sung was by the Soweto Gospel Choir at Opera House in Sydney, Australia...find the song on the choir's album Blessed. BTW, I'm from Fiji...
Long Live Great Africa and Great South Africa this one of my favorite anthems and countries long live the south African People from your Irish Newfoundland Brother
I can honstly say this is the best National Anthem I have heard. I also, like India's and South Korea's National Anthem. They sooth the soul when listen to.
We sing this in Finland in a church! Of course we have different lyrics but still.. It goes like " God bless whole world, bless Australia and big Asia " Etc.. :o
I love this anthem its so beautiful , i remmber hearing once in new zealand sung for a netball match againt south africa ,,,2 country western singers from hamilton NZ preformed it, brought tears to my eyes ,,, alas I dont know he meaning of it ( i will google later ) looking forward to the upcoming rugby world cup 2011
i think this is the best national anthem in the world, its crazy since i was young i sing it but i don't what it means, can someone please traduce. Sorry for my english i'm francophone
Didn't know that, though it eeuwig (ewig) means both everlasting as eternal in Dutch. Could you tell me if I got the pronounciation right though? Just curius, as I'll be off to study at Stelenbosch next year, so it would be good to know if I can pronounce Afrikaans correctly.
Just congratulations, africans! This national anthem is the best. My favorite National Anthem. We meet us in 2010 for the World Cup, Uruguay will there, I hope.
I like the current South African anthem because the anthem is hybrid with the said country's official languages. South Africa has changed 15 years since Mandela was elected. Live with it.
That is THE most moving national anthem I've ever heard. The use of so many different languages testifies to the country's desire to blend its many ethnicities, however hard that is to do and however long it might take ("let us live and strive for freedom"). And the idea to transition from Nkosi sikelele Afrika to Die Stem was a masterstroke. South Africans should be very proud of what they've done and are doing. -- an American
The real encounter of all mankind will not be obtained when we all speak a single language, or when we all share the same beliefs, will be when the beliefs of every man, transmitted in the language of each one, join in the same beauty, the same singing... Like the anthem of South Africa.
To my brothers and sisters from south africa ( the rainbow nation) . I hope and believe you are proud of your beautiful national anthem ( every part of it). You are a great beacon of hope and opportunity for many people in the continent and the world. Though you may have your difficulty as you deal with bigots of every color, I salute you... :)
@pusifut I meant no disrespect and apologize if i offended you; I was merely referring to how the song was sang with the empowering lyrics "Italy has called, we are ready to die" in comparison to "god bless us" and not in general.
When South Africa works, it works. God willing, in 100 years all races can fully be South African and enjoy the bounty of what is truly one of the most beautiful countries on this planet.
I do believe that Nkosi sikelel'i Afrika was first sung in the rugby world championship 1995, which Mandela had South Africa host and win as to unite the nation, so yes; Mandela has something to do with rugby.
@pava90 Afrikaans is derived from Dutch, English, French, German, Malay, and Bantu languages... but Dutch is the strongest influence. In essence it is a merger between a simplified broken pidgin Dutch, also known as "Kombuis-Hollands" or "kitchen dutch", (the language spoken in the kitchen among the servants and slaves), and "Hoog Hollands" or "High Dutch", (spoken by the Dutch settlers). It is a very interesting language.
@Swagman8 : I agree with you. Everybody wants peace, and toleration should be encouraged among us. I like the white guys in this video spring all the song from the beginning. That's great!
@RosoMC If you're refering to the lyrics "Viva España, Alzad la frente hijos del pueblo español..." they were written in 1928, before even the civil war or the political tensions of the Republic.
@dalvant Yes, those were the lyrics. Of course I didn't remember them correctly, my apologies. You are right, they were written in 1928, by orders of Primo de Rivera, but they weren't established as official anthem until 1939 under the name "Marcha Grenadera" by Francisco Franco. Still, what I mean is that the "Marcha Real/Marcha Grenadera" didn't have lyrics for almost 200 years. I think it's quite alright to keep it that way. It's tradition after all.
@lkrnpk true but in fairness "Die Stem" is in a language(s) they know and speak everyday, whereas "Nkosi sikelel' they had to learn phonetically as most of the whites are not Xhosa/Zulu speakers
Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika Maluphakanyisw' uphondo Iwayo Yizwa imithandazo yethu Nkosi sikelela thina lusapho Iwayo 0:34 Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho O se boloke, o se boloke setjhaba sa heso Setjhaba sa SouthAfrica South Africa... 1:04 Uit die blou van onse hemel Uit die diepte van ons see Oor ons ewige gebergtes Waar die kranse antwoord gee 1:24 Sounds the call to come together And united we shall stand Let us live and strive for freedom In South Africa our land
love it how when the afrikaans and english parts come in everyone incl. players start really singing and go for it, they're probably forced to sing zulu, sesotho and xhosa verses!! great rugger team anyway, deserved to win RWC 2007.
A Nigerian by birth, live in the US, race is not my concern, my concern? Just be a human being, regardless of color. God bless the composer of nkosiele Africa.
A point; Cueto's 'try' in the final should have been given so fair to suggest England may have won & retained the trophy. RSA were lucky that day, I can't however argue for RWC 2019; RSA were clearly the better team & deserved the win. Makes for an interesting Lions tour methinks.....
@organist12345 Not exactly. Original Marcha Real didn't have words. The words "viva espana los gracios..." etc. were written during Franco's regime. After the democratic changes they simply returned to the original, historical status - without words. Lyrics were used exclusively during the Franco's rule.
I'm not South African but this Nkosi Sikeleli just makes me want to become one. Best national athem in the world.
By a MILE! Brings tears to my eyes, and I'm a Brit. When I first heard this at the World Cup Final in 1995 I thought this anthem alone is probably worth 3 points to SA; Mandela in the crowd another 7. They won 15-12.
I SO AGREE! It's MUCH BETTER than our crappy New Zealand one "The Durge"!🙄
Nkosi the King in Zulu@@sarfendboy
I have to say, South Africa has one of the best anthems I've ever heard.
RIP Madiba, you were inspiration to us all and it doesn't matter where you live.
:(
I will never forget the night we danced till the vuvuzela's died. The night that Xhosa, Afrikaans, Zulu, Capetonian, Upper Boereworsgordynian, English, uFrench, Malasian and Koi-San and a triple treble of proud and strong tribes merged into a tre-trefoil of fortune. South Africans, World Champions of Rugby. World Champions of Peace. Next stop, World Champions of Prosperity
Brilliant! I especially love the way it goes from one language to another.
south africans you were blessed with a beautiful land, rich in nature and if enough this also one of the most incredible personages of human history NELSON MANDELA
Im english and we took a hammering that game, but this anthem is being sung so passionately it even sends shivers down my spine, I love it.
Aye and we are saddled with our dirge about a benefits scrounger being saved by a sky wizard. Sigh!
Fantastic clip!!! Just look at them - I've never seen a national team who looks that proud! Usually there's just a few guys singing, & it sounds more like mumbling - But EVERY SINGLE ONE is singing here, loud & clear!!!
Truly a magnificent anthem! Proud to belong to South Africa!
Bokke Bokke!!!!!
I've never been to South Africa (though I hope to visit), rugby is pretty much nonexistent in my country, and I've never shed a tear during our own national anthem… but this had me in tears. The feeling captured in this video is something else.
I'm Finnish. I don't care one bit about patriotism, but national anthems work as symbols of unity, and when thousands of people unite singing for the same reason, I can't help but be touched.
This is a prime example - sports events have a way of uniting people, and a stadium singing in unison is simply beautiful.
where you from??
It's right there in the comment, I'm from Finland. (Assuming you asked me, got a notification anyway.)
Same here... My heart is still in South Africa....THIS IS OUR ANTHEM....
I think this is one of the most beautiful and powerful national anthems. I love that the national anthem symbolizes the unity of everyone in South Africa, regardless of the country's past history. The words and music are very moving.
the most beautiful anthem in the world.
They know the words!!! And sing them with feeling... puts the English football team to shame. Wonderful.
I was there 3rd tier just behind the posts amazing atmosphere , South African fans are brilliant spent the day in Paris drinking with them in my England shirt , South Africa deserved to win outplayed us in every department
I was there too for the whole tournament
great anthem, great team!
From Italy
I just moved from south africa to portugal just hearing this song makes me feel so proud. All of uss coming together as one.
Good morning South Africa, time to move forward as a united nation. Love and care for all!
You are sooooo right!!!!! You've said everything I wanted to say, reading these comments. Go for it!
Best anthem in the world! No doubt. I like the five languages and the way both melodies are integrated into one anthem and the change of pace between Nkosi Sikelele and the Afrikaans part. Groeten uit Nederland :)
The last part of _"Die Stem van Suid-Afrika",_ in the anthem, is not only in Afrikaans but also English. There are actually five different languages in the anthem! It's really unique.
Being an American, I can honstly say this is the best National Anthem I have heard. I also, like India's and South Korea's National Anthem. They sooth the soul when listen too. Nothing against my National Anthem but you have to give credit where credit is due.
God I love this anthem
Rugby pretty much dosent exists in my country - so when it's World Cup I always hope the best for Springboks!
the best SA anthem sung was by the Soweto Gospel Choir at Opera House in Sydney, Australia...find the song on the choir's album Blessed. BTW, I'm from Fiji...
Long Live Great Africa and Great South Africa this one of my favorite anthems and countries long live the south African People from your Irish Newfoundland Brother
I can honstly say this is the best National Anthem I have heard. I also, like India's and South Korea's National Anthem. They sooth the soul when listen to.
Hermoso himno Sudafricano saludos desde Mexico
RIP MADIBA :,(
The best anthem in sports along with the Welsh anthem, and i say that as an American who loves the SSB.
You can really see how the players sings with pride at the Afrikaans-part :)
They sing it proudly throughout.
In every language
We sing this in Finland in a church! Of course we have different lyrics but still.. It goes like " God bless whole world, bless Australia and big Asia " Etc.. :o
Spring boks are my favorite Rugby team.....thank you invictus
omg you guys from all over make me proud to be South African :)
I love this anthem its so beautiful , i remmber hearing once in new zealand sung for a netball match againt south africa ,,,2 country western singers from hamilton NZ preformed it, brought tears to my eyes ,,, alas I dont know he meaning of it ( i will google later ) looking forward to the upcoming rugby world cup 2011
omg i love he springboks,even though i'm not a south african,whenever i hear their anthem i feel so.....tears are in my eyes.
One of the most beautiful anthems in the world. No doubt.
Great anthem , I am English but born in RSA ❤
i proudly sing this anthem as a brother to the south Africans
Geen probleem! Ek kan sien waarvandaan dit kom. Jou taalgebruik sê vir my alles!!! Nog een commoner iewers in die landwat misluk het!.
I never imagined bakkies botha was able to cry. Very touch.
Wow those Afrikaners got some good looks!
i think this is the best national anthem in the world, its crazy since i was young i sing it but i don't what it means, can someone please traduce. Sorry for my english i'm francophone
The Boks sing their anthem with so much pride that they never fail to impress me.
This 2007 word cup. Springboks had the strongest forwards playing the game. They were ranked 1
Didn't know that, though it eeuwig (ewig) means both everlasting as eternal in Dutch. Could you tell me if I got the pronounciation right though? Just curius, as I'll be off to study at Stelenbosch next year, so it would be good to know if I can pronounce Afrikaans correctly.
South Africa's got the best anthem, and then its New Zealand of course lol.
You've already got the best Prime Minister - how much more do you Kiwis want?! ;-)
proud to be South African!! Bad luck on the loss yesterday boys, we can get it next cup!
Congratulations for your national holiday today (16th December) South Africa
Godbless Afrika and the entire world, out of many we are but one. Kongo salutes you
Just congratulations, africans! This national anthem is the best. My favorite National Anthem. We meet us in 2010 for the World Cup, Uruguay will there, I hope.
It may have been but it was written and composed by Enoch Sontonga who was South African born and bred.
Gaan Bokke...respect from Bulgaria....
heroes! thank you springboks!
One of the greatest things Mr Mandela did was to unite two anthems and, in effect, unite what was a broken country.
I was there! Got Dutch blood, but a South African Heart
I like the current South African anthem because the anthem is hybrid with the said country's official languages. South Africa has changed 15 years since Mandela was elected.
Live with it.
the enthusiasm is fantastic.
outstandingly beautiful. goosebumps.
That is THE most moving national anthem I've ever heard. The use of so many different languages testifies to the country's desire to blend its many ethnicities, however hard that is to do and however long it might take ("let us live and strive for freedom"). And the idea to transition from Nkosi sikelele Afrika to Die Stem was a masterstroke. South Africans should be very proud of what they've done and are doing. -- an American
The real encounter of all mankind will not be obtained when we all speak a single language, or when we all share the same beliefs, will be when the beliefs of every man, transmitted in the language of each one, join in the same beauty, the same singing...
Like the anthem of South Africa.
To my brothers and sisters from south africa ( the rainbow nation) . I hope and believe you are proud of your beautiful national anthem ( every part of it). You are a great beacon of hope and opportunity for many people in the continent and the world. Though you may have your difficulty as you deal with bigots of every color, I salute you... :)
I love the fact that it is in 5 languages. South Africa indeed has a great anthem!
Thanks Madiba!
@grifondebruselas muy bonito lo que has puesto.deberiamos aprender todos de eso..
@pusifut I meant no disrespect and apologize if i offended you; I was merely referring to how the song was sang with the empowering lyrics "Italy has called, we are ready to die" in comparison to "god bless us" and not in general.
I'm proud to be Namibian!
nice anthem , I felt south african for 1:30 minutes
Greetings from Argentina
Those football players can't really sing, but it doesn't matter!
You can see they love their country and over all it's a beautiful anthem!
When South Africa works, it works. God willing, in 100 years all races can fully be South African and enjoy the bounty of what is truly one of the most beautiful countries on this planet.
loiba my favourite singing of the anthem 😀😀
beautiful!
greatings from Brazil
I do believe that Nkosi sikelel'i Afrika was first sung in the rugby world championship 1995, which Mandela had South Africa host and win as to unite the nation, so yes; Mandela has something to do with rugby.
Do not understand a word of it, but love it. Filled with so much power, hope and majesty.
The last stanza is in English, y'know
@pava90 Afrikaans is derived from Dutch, English, French, German, Malay, and Bantu languages... but Dutch is the strongest influence. In essence it is a merger between a simplified broken pidgin Dutch, also known as "Kombuis-Hollands" or "kitchen dutch", (the language spoken in the kitchen among the servants and slaves), and "Hoog Hollands" or "High Dutch", (spoken by the Dutch settlers). It is a very interesting language.
@Swagman8 : I agree with you. Everybody wants peace, and toleration should be encouraged among us. I like the white guys in this video spring all the song from the beginning. That's great!
Proud to be a South African in the United States ARMY GO BOKKE!!
@RosoMC If you're refering to the lyrics "Viva España, Alzad la frente hijos del pueblo español..." they were written in 1928, before even the civil war or the political tensions of the Republic.
i like the anthem of south africa! Sounds very good =)
greetings from Germany
What a moment-what spirit!
@dalvant
Yes, those were the lyrics. Of course I didn't remember them correctly, my apologies.
You are right, they were written in 1928, by orders of Primo de Rivera, but they weren't established as official anthem until 1939 under the name "Marcha Grenadera" by Francisco Franco.
Still, what I mean is that the "Marcha Real/Marcha Grenadera" didn't have lyrics for almost 200 years. I think it's quite alright to keep it that way. It's tradition after all.
@misscoolfull what I know is the tile of the national anthem "Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika" means "God Bless Africa"
Great Team, Great Sportsmanship. Dont let one mans comments tarnish the whole team. They are legends
@lkrnpk true but in fairness "Die Stem" is in a language(s) they know and speak everyday, whereas "Nkosi sikelel' they had to learn phonetically as most of the whites are not Xhosa/Zulu speakers
Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw' uphondo Iwayo
Yizwa imithandazo yethu
Nkosi sikelela thina lusapho Iwayo
0:34
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso
O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho
O se boloke, o se boloke setjhaba sa heso
Setjhaba sa SouthAfrica
South Africa...
1:04
Uit die blou van onse hemel
Uit die diepte van ons see
Oor ons ewige gebergtes
Waar die kranse antwoord gee
1:24
Sounds the call to come together
And united we shall stand
Let us live and strive for freedom
In South Africa our land
I'm a proud South African.
Het Afrikaanse deel is echt mooi!
love it how when the afrikaans and english parts come in everyone incl. players start really singing and go for it, they're probably forced to sing zulu, sesotho and xhosa verses!! great rugger team anyway, deserved to win RWC 2007.
A great national anthem!!
@mrr7685 thats a lie. which game did you watch? vs. uruguay? vs france? all of them sing. your observation is hence invalid
yeah I saw that now.. =X
Close call with Wales, both are really fantastic anthems.
@2valu4ever That it is. What a rallying call for freedom and peace. God I love being South Africa.
I’m not South African but I respect this. These guys love their country and it shows. So damn inspirational.
Beautiful anthem ;)
A Nigerian by birth, live in the US, race is not my concern, my concern? Just be a human being, regardless of color. God bless the composer of nkosiele Africa.
A point; Cueto's 'try' in the final should have been given so fair to suggest England may have won & retained the trophy. RSA were lucky that day, I can't however argue for RWC 2019; RSA were clearly the better team & deserved the win. Makes for an interesting Lions tour methinks.....
@organist12345
Not exactly. Original Marcha Real didn't have words. The words "viva espana los gracios..." etc. were written during Franco's regime. After the democratic changes they simply returned to the original, historical status - without words. Lyrics were used exclusively during the Franco's rule.
@AllieGolach just because curiosity, are you afrikaner?
grandisimo himno, para unir una nación
Greatest anthem in the world
Best anthem ever!