The 2023 African Games witnessed a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and cultural harmony as Ghanaian boxing fans from Bukom stole the spotlight by serenading Zambian gold medalist, Patrick Chinyemba, with their own rendition of the Zambian anthem.
Despite Theophilus Allotey’s semifinal defeat to Chinyemba in the Men’s 51kg category, settling for a bronze medal, the atmosphere at the Bukom Boxing Arena was nothing short of electrifying.
As Chinyemba clinched gold after his opponent from South Africa Lubabalo Lusizi, withdrew Ghanaian fans joined him in singing the Zambian anthem during the medal presentation.
What made this gesture particularly captivating was the seamless harmony with which the Bukom natives sang the anthem.
Interestingly, the rhythm of the Zambian anthem bears striking similarities to a traditional song prevalent in the Ga community of Ghana. This shared musical heritage made the rendition both heartfelt and culturally significant.
There has been so many videos from the African Games but this has to be the one.
Listen as the Bukom faithful join Zambia’s gold winner to sing the Zambian anthem. Man! #Accra2023 pic.twitter.com/0pJW5OMqL6
— Yaw (@theyawofosu) March 23, 2024
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The anthem of Zambia, along with those of South Africa and Tanzania, is based on the hymn “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” (Xhosa for “Lord Bless Africa”), composed by Enoch Sontoga in 1897. Originating as a pan-African liberation song, variations of it were later adopted as national anthems by several African nations post-independence, including Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and eventually South Africa after the end of apartheid.
This spontaneous and harmonious rendition not only highlighted the unity and camaraderie among African nations but also celebrated the rich cultural tapestry that binds them together.
It was a moment that transcended sports, symbolising the power of music and shared heritage to unite people across borders.
Despite Allotey’s failure to clinch silver or gold, Ghana continued to impress in boxing winning four gold medals, one silver and two bronze
Among the gold medalists were Mohammed Aryeetey in the Men’s 48Kg, Mohammed Amadu in the Men’s Bantamweight (54kg), Joseph Commey in Men’s 60kg, and Samuel Takyi in the Light Welterweight (63.5Kg) category.
Janet Acqua also secured a bronze medal for Ghana in the Women’s 48Kg category.