Our Heritage Day Anthems: Music that takes us back to our roots

From family gatherings and childhood memories to cultural pride and the sounds of home, these are the songs that take Kaya 959 presenters back to their roots.

By Mapaballo Borotho

Every year on 24 September, South Africans press pause to celebrate the cultures, traditions and stories that make us who we are.

Tata Madiba’s Rainbow Nation has at least 12 official languages, different ethnic groups, religious groups and tribes, and on this day, we get to celebrate all of that.

We get to celebrate what makes us South Africans through dancing, cooking, storytelling and, most importantly, music.

Music is an important part of South Africa’s identity, and these are the songs that remind Kaya 959’s presenters of where they come from.

**Andy Maqondwana – Lahlumlenze by Thandiswa ‘King Tha’ Mazwai**

For Feel Good presenter Andy Maqondwana, Lahlumlenze by Thandiswa Mazwai is one of the local songs that takes her back to Transkei.

“This is the one song that takes me back to my youth in the rural areas, seeing the women who raised me, my mom, my aunts as well as extended family members who would come around and sing and observe all these songs whether for ceremonies or whatever.

It was really beautiful to see everyone come together to celebrate our culture, so this is definitely my heritage anthem.”

She says the song carries memories of the women who raised her and the gatherings that brought family and community together.

**Thabo Mokwele – Rea Dumedisa by Mahotela Queens**

For Gauteng’s best Malome, Thabo Mokwele, the one song that reminds him of his days in Tembisa as Mopedi is Rea Dumedisa by Mahotela Queens.

“I play this song whenever I get a chance.”

Tumediso, ukulibulisa, greetings, is one of the most important parts of our culture as South Africans, which also explains why Uncle T would choose a song titled Rea Dumedisa.

Thato – Segarona

“My Heritage Day song is Segarona, which I recorded with Amon Mokwena for our album, which we did a couple of years ago.

It was a very significant song, especially for Heritage Day, because as Batswana, it just gave us something to be proud of our culture and still allow us to embrace it in a different setting of music.”

For Thato, Heritage gives one a sense of belonging and identity. He says it is important to know where you belong, your place in humanity.

**Bonolo Beesting – Borikiriki by Culture Spears**

For the lady who doesn’t really sting like a bee but would definitely keep you entertained with great conversations and good music, Bonolo Beesting’s Heritage Day anthem is Borikiriki by Culture Spears.

“Heritage encompasses music, food, traditions, and cultural practices, and for me, it is these unique expressions that make every culture truly special and worth celebrating,” she said.

For Bonolo, music is one of the expressions that makes culture special and gives people something to celebrate.

Nicky B

Nicky B says music is a big part of her country’s heritage. She adds that she was exposed to music at a young age, and it’s definitely something that will never leave South Africans.

“My late mother absolutely loved jazz, and South African Jazz was one of her favourites. I still have a vinyl that I inherited from her in 1974, it was Dollar Brand’s ” Mannenberg. ” Of course we know Miss Abdulah Ibrahim but it was the song ‘Mannenberg’, and although I grew up in Durban and this was a song very much about Cape Town, it’s a song that has stayed with me forever and remains part of my South African identity.”

Another contemporary song which she considers important when it comes to her heritage is Hugh Masekela’s Chileshe.

From the songs that take us back to childhood and family, to those that remind us of language, culture and identity, these heritage anthems show just how deeply music is woven into the South African experience.

This Heritage Day, perhaps all it takes is one familiar song to take you right back home.

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