Bongani Ndlovu
Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
South African veteran musician Loyiso Bala earned widespread admiration from Zimbabweans after delivering a polished and emotionally resonant rendition of the Zimbabwe national anthem in Shona during an international rugby fixture at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium over the weekend.
Bala, best known for his association with the kwaito group TKZee and with the Bala Brothers, featuring his brothers Zwai and Phelo, had been invited to perform both the South African and Zimbabwean national anthems ahead of the international rugby clash between the Zimbabwe Sables and South Africa A. The fixture served as a curtain-raiser to the Springboks versus Barbarians encounter, which saw South Africa A secure a 40–0 victory.
While the rugby result drew attention on the field, it was Bala’s rendition of the Zimbabwe national anthem that stole the spotlight, emerging as one of the most memorable moments of the day.
His confident delivery in Shona quickly resonated with Zimbabwean audiences, many of whom took to social media to applaud the singer for the effort, preparation and respect demonstrated in performing the anthem in its original language.
Supporters described the performance as both heartfelt and culturally respectful, with many noting that Bala’s interpretation reflected a deeper appreciation of Zimbabwe’s identity and heritage.
One Sables supporter, Notando Ndlovu, praised the performance, writing: “You nailed the Zim national anthem and left with no crumbs. Thumbs up my brother.”
Victoria Maphale highlighted the broader symbolism of the moment, describing it as a gesture of regional unity and sporting camaraderie.
“This is progress, thank you. We are happy to see Zimbabwe participating in sports like other nations,” she said.
Another social media user, Nocie Mlomo, said the rendition left her emotionally moved.
“What you did on the Zimbabwe national anthem can never be done, you nailed it. It made me emotional listening to a South African singing it so perfectly,” she wrote.
The performance has since gone viral online, with continued praise for Bala’s fluency, confidence and cultural sensitivity in delivering the anthem.
