The late rapper and singer Mduduzi Tshabalala also known as Mandoza united South Africa through music when he released his much loved single Nkalakatha in year 2000.
The song blew in ways unimaginable, loved by all South Africans, young and old.
The song also came at a time when South Africa was six years into democracy with some of the country citizens not having blended properly into a complete inclusive country. The song now 23 years old made its debut in France on Sunday, October 17th when the Springboks made us proud by qualifying for the world cup semi-finals after beating the host city France by 29-28.
The late Mandoza who passed on in September, 2016, is sadly not around to witness such a proud moment having his song played on a global platform with he whole world watching. Wishing Mandoza was still alive to witness the magical moment, X (former Twitter) users shared videos of the Nkalakatha moment that took place after the Springboks victory.
Shared by the Rugby World Cup, the video shows France players in tears after their loss, while the Boks celebrated their win with Nkalakatha playing in the background.
They captioned their post:
“French dreams shattered ?.”
French dreams shattered ?#RWC2023 | #FRAvRSA pic.twitter.com/d7mBRWYFE2
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 15, 2023
Upon seeing the video, X users shared how this was a proud moment for both the late Mandoza and the country, commenting:
Nkalakatha! If only Mandoza new what a hit his song has become again! What a legend! The stadium was lit when this song played after we won! ? #FRAvRSA #RWC2023 #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/LGUcs00bBl
— Captain Springbok ?? (@CaptSpringbok) October 16, 2023
Did the DJ play Nkalakatha by Mandoza in France when the hosts were in tears? That was cold and I loved it ?? https://t.co/TiKlHI3ZRe
— Phillix M. Kokwele ?? (@Matome_Kay) October 16, 2023
And the national song in the background to seal it. Imagine being there and hearing that “Nkalakatha”?!
I know @JoyChauke5 had a great time.
This team belongs to all South Africans. Not just those who can afford to go to France. https://t.co/jPnhElLYOf— Makhosazana Zwane-Siguqa (@ZwaneSiguqa) October 16, 2023
So they played Nkalakatha by Mandoza in France as soon as SA won? RIP the legend!
— Philsner DDi (@PhilsnerDDI) October 17, 2023
Also see: The Springbok wives react to the quarter final victory