World Cup to Feature Siphiwo Ntshebe Songs

The South African singer, Siphiwo Ntshebe, who was chosen personally by Nelson Mandela to perform in the 2010 World Cup, died of meningitis last month.

The World Cup officials decided to still use songs from Siphiwo Ntshebe as “a tribute both to his music and memory and to the indomitable spirit of South Africa”.

In a statement Nelson Mandela said: “Very rarely does life put across your path a meritorious person with such outstanding singing ability. Such was the person of Siphiwo Desmond Ntshebe.

“It is some comfort, given the tragedy of Siphiwo’s early death, that as the world’s spotlight falls on South Africa millions of people across the globe will have the chance to hear and be uplifted by Siphiwo’s wonderful music.

“It is, of course, the greatest sadness that he will not be here to sing it but we can all be thankful that he completed recording his inspirational album before his death.”