‘Ghost of Ras Dumisani’: Springbok anthem singer has SA cringing

Ras Dumisani 2.0? Springbok fans are cringing over the South African national anthem performance by singer Hercules Smith...

Jun 23, 2024 - 01:00
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‘Ghost of Ras Dumisani’: Springbok anthem singer has SA cringing

South Africans have joked about being haunted by the “ghost of Ras Dumisani” following a controversial performance of the national anthem. This time, it was the Springboks clash against Wales, and the singer was Hercules Smith.

The Pretoria-born singer was invited to perform in Twickenham for the national team’s first game of 2024. 

The four-times Rugby World Cup champions beat Wales 52-16 in an exciting game in the London stadium.

NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGER – RAS DUMISANI 2.0?

On Saturday, 22 June, the Springboks squad – featuring several new players who made their test match debut – took on the Welsh Dragons in Twickenham.

Performing in front of the new-look team was singer Hercules Smith, who sang the SA national anthem.

Unfortunately, social media users were not impressed by the classical music artist’s take on Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.

@victorise_sa #Springboks #RUGBY #Wales #fyp #southafricatiktok ♬ original sound – victorise

@ajsrugby: “Where did they find that fellow to sing the Saffas National Anthem? Heard better karaoke“

@RSA_Broadcaster: “Butchered the anthem. Disgrace”

@kenan_barends: “Needed a click track and someone to give him the key. Embarrassing”

@Kobusvanwyk07: “Pitbull from Temu”.

Some even referred to Smith as the “white Ras Dumisani.”

In 2009, Dumisani was dragged by South Africans for his dismal performance of the national anthem in the Springboks vs France test match.

Not only did he sing off-key, but he also forgot some of the lyrics!

Dumisani, however, remained delusional about his performance, which was also chastised by Springbok players like Victor Matfield.

He told the Guardian: “No one told me they were upset with the singing,” he said. “In fact, someone just came up to me and told me how beautifully I had sung. Everyone at the stadium told me I sang well, even after the match. The Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika has been my tune since I was a baby. How can I not know the words?”

He later admitted to being “sabotaged” by organisers.

WHO WILL SPRINGBOKS PLAY NEXT?

With Wales done and dusted, who is next to play the Springboks in 2024?

Take a look at their test match schedule…

  • 6 July: SA v Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
  • 13 July: SA v Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
  • 20 July: SA v Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
  • 10 August: Australia vs SA (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
  • 17 August: Australia vs SA (Optus Stadium, Perth)
  • 31 August: SA v New Zealand (Johannesburg – Emirates Airline Park)
  • 7 September: SA v New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
  • 21 September: SA v Argentina (Estadio Unico Madre Ciudades, Santiago)
  • 28 September: SA v Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
  • 10 November: Scotland vs SA (Murrayfield, Edinburgh)
  • 16 November: England vs SA (Twickenham, London)
  • 23 November: Wales vs SA (Principality Stadium, Cardiff)

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