What people think of Boom Shaka’s Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika
Lucky arch’ Lucinoaka (25), kwaito vocalist, Skeem: “I love it. It’s vibey and it’s appealing to the youth. But we still have to stick to the formal way of singing the anthem. We can sing the Boom Shaka version whenever we are celebrating victory.”
Dudu Mpokela (23), marketing official:”It is too vibey and degrading. At school we were always told to be alert whenever we sing the national anthem because it’s a prayer. I find it immoral -perhaps I’m too old-fashioned. Some of my friends say I have to move with the times.”
Fitzroy Ngcukane (42), musician:”I support Boom Shaka. They have come with a revolutionary approach. It is more appealing to the youth and also praises people who have been involved in the struggle. I think it is even better than the [official] Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. When Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika was blended with Die Stem no one complained.”
Gibson Kente (65), theatre practitioner: “I don’t even identify with the national anthem. It says: ‘God bless Africa’ and not ‘South Africa’. I don’t find Boom Shaka’s version offensive.”
China Mpololo (28), music promoter:”For the nation’s pride it is immoral. The anthem is like the Lord’s Prayer and should be treated with dignity. I think Boom Shaka are just using their version of the national anthem as a marketing strategy.”
Sandile Sayedwa (30), tourist guide organiser:”It’s totally unacceptable. It would have been better if they’d changed the Afrikaans version of the anthem to make it more exciting and give it meaning.”
Mantwa Chinoamadi (30), music promoter: “When we sing the national anthem we do it with respect and that should be mantained for other countries to look at us with dignity.”