The song that unites a nation

Getty Images

Music has always had a special place in the hearts of Africans. It is something they use to celebrate, to tell stories and express their emotions.

Music has also featured prominently at this 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and one song that has stole the hearts of many fans visiting the host nation is 'Shosholoza’, which has been a South African favourite for decades.

During these world finals, the reverberating sound of 'Shosholoza' is probably only surpassed by that of the Vuvuzela - it is no surprise that foreign visitors have composed their own rendition of the song.

Because people were often banned from expressing their views, artists opted for music to tell their stories. Several South African songs therefore have a historical background that carries a strong meaning.

The origins of 'Shosholoza' can be traced back to the mines in South Africa, when the migrant workers composed it in order to lift spirits whenever they were on their way home travelling by train. It is not clear as to which part of the country the song was initiated in, but most of its lyrics are in isiZulu, which is one of the 11 official languages of South Africa.

In loose translation, the phrase 'Shosholoza' means 'go forward', and this is what the migrant workers would often say whenever they were en route home after a long day of hard work.

It was after the 1995 IRB Rugby World Cup – the first international event in post-apartheid South Africa - that the song was introduced to world audiences during a sporting event. However, during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 1996, which South Africa improbably won, 'Shosholoza' blossomed at football and rugby venues. Soon, cricket, one of the most popular sports in the country, followed suit. Today, so many things are named after the song, including yachts, trains and gumboots among countless others.

So, if you attend one of remaining games at this FIFA World Cup, be sure to join the locals in singing what has been adopted as a national anthem and symbol of unity.