‘Butchered’: Opera-style national anthem fails to impress [video]

After a high of phenomenal performances of the national anthem throughout the Springboks 2024 test series, their latest one, sung by opera singer Innocent Masuku, has left rugby fans upset for the most part.

The classical singer – who once wowed judges on Britain’s Got Talent – sang an unconventional rendition of Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika.

The performance took place in Twickenham where South Africa are playing against England.

NATIONAL ANTHEM: SPRINGBOK FANS UNIMPRESSED

As with every Springbok game, South Africans take the performance of the national anthem at the start very seriously.

But this time, the performer, Innocent Masuku, was harshly criticised over his “opera-style” rendition of the national song.

Many felt that the classical singer’s performance was a bit over-the-top. Others didnt mince words.

@Lallana_Pyjama5: “There’s so many Saffas in London & they pick a guy who absolutely butchers our sacred national anthem.”

@Huge_akman42: “He mispronounced every verse.”

@lucigibbs12: “That guy screwed up our anthem”.

Take a look at the performance below…

It’s not the first time rugby fans have been annoyed at a national anthem performance in Twickenham. In June, SA singer Hercules Smith’s rendition was compared to the infamous one by Ras Dumisani in 2009.

WHO IS INNOCENT MASUKU?

Innocent Masuku, not to be confused with the actor with the same name, is the classical singer who performed the national anthem.

The star  – who began his career in the Cape Town Opera – was a finalist in 2024’s Britain’s Got Talent, impressing judged Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell.

Now a member of the English National Choir, Innocent lives in the UK and performs at various musical events.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nkululeko Hlamasi Masuku (@innocentmasuku1)

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE NATIONAL ANTHEM?

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