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Nkosi Sikelel i’Afrika - God Bless Africa
Wednesday 9 August 2006 20:45-21:00 (Radio 4 FM)
A new series of programmes about songs which have had a political impact. Nkosi Sikelel i’Afrika, God Bless Africa, was composed in 1897 by a Methodist teacher in the Eastern Cape, Enoch Sontonga. Later, it was adopted by the African National Congress and became an inspirational anthem in the struggle against apartheid, forever associated with Nelson Mandela and the other prisoners on Robben Island.
It was sung by the crowd when Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's president in 1994 and is now part of the country's national anthem. Enoch Sontonga died in 1905, aged 32. His grave was eventually identified ten years ago and is now a national monument. Presented by Robin Denselow.
