Which countries use Nkosi Sikelel?

Zimbabwe and Namibia have since adopted new compositions for their national anthems. The song’s melody is currently used as the national anthem of Tanzania and the national anthem of Zambia….Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.

How many languages are there in the national anthem?

Structure. The lyrics employ the five of the most widely spoken of South Africa’s eleven official languages – Xhosa (first stanza, first two lines), Zulu (first stanza, last two lines), Sesotho (second stanza), Afrikaans (third stanza), and English (final stanza).

What language does Swiss sing national anthem?

Swiss Psalm

Why was Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika written?

Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika was composed in 1897 by Enoch Sontonga, a Methodist mission school teacher. The words of the first stanza were originally written in Xhosa as a hymn. It became a popular church hymn that was later adopted as an anthem at political meetings.

Which country in Africa has the best national anthem?

South
Cape Town – A national anthem boasting more than one official language, it comes as no surprise that South Africa’s national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (God Bless Africa), has been rated the best in the world.

What are the 5 languages in South African national anthem?

The South African anthem contains four stanzas which consist of 5 of our eleven official languages – namely isiXhosa, isiZulu, seSotho, Afrikaans and English.

What language do Swiss players speak?

Switzerland is another multilingual country playing in this year’s tournament. At home, four languages – German, French, Italian and Romansch – are spoken.

What is the most beautiful flag in Africa?

Kenya. Kenya’s flag has been in use since 1963 and could easily pass as the most beautiful flag in Africa. At the centre of the flag is a shield in front of two crossed spears. These are embedded in a horizontal tricolour of black, red, white, and green.

Why was Nkosi sikelel’iafrika retained in South Africa?

While the inclusion of “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” celebrated the newfound freedom of most South Africans, the fact that “Die Stem” was also retained even after the fall of apartheid, represented the desire of the new government led by Mandela to respect all races and cultures in an all-inclusive new era dawning upon South Africa.

Who was the singer of Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika?

Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika was further popularised by Reverend JL Dube’s Ohlange Zulu Choir and the hymn proved to be a hit in church services across South Africa.

When was the first verse of Nkosi Sikelel written?

The first verse and chorus of this version are the original words composed by Enoch Sontonga in 1897. The remaining verses were added in 1927 by Samuel E Mqhayi.