Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed with Shona hymn in Japan for trade investment forum
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was welcomed to Japan by a group of locals who sang a Shona hymn fluently. Ramaphosa, attending a trade and investment forum, met with Toyota Tsusho President and CEO Toshimitsu Imai on the sidelines of the 9th TICAD Summit in Yokohama. The welcoming group sang the hymn Wahambanathi, also beautifully rendered in Shona.
A surprise welcome in Yokohama
Videos posted online on 24 August 2025 showed Ramaphosa smiling as the Japanese singers performed the Shona hymn. Journalist Robert Mukondiwa shared the footage on X, writing:
“Meanwhile in Japan @CyrilRamaphosa was welcomed by a Shona song to a trade and investment forum. I don’t think Gayton McKenzie or Dudula or God forbid Phophi Ramathuba would like this one bit! @Am_Blujay doesn’t mind though coz you get nostalgic!”
His post quickly went viral, sparking thousands of reactions across Zimbabwe, South Africa, and beyond.
SA President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Toyota Tsusho President and CEO Toshimitsu Imai on the sidelines of the 9th TICAD Summit in Yokohama, Japan. He was warmly welcomed with the hymn Wahambanathi, also rendered in Shona. pic.twitter.com/oDAO1IyAbo
— earGROUND ® (@eargroundtv) August 23, 2025
One user, @malaikadiva, commented:
“This is beautiful! I love that their pronunciations and tone are all on point. I know it’s been said that there are some similarities between Japanese and Shona – any language experts who’ve studied this? I think this kinda makes the case stronger.”
Social media reactions
The moment stirred a wave of comments online, with many praising the performance.
@SikhululeNDGN wrote:
“They sang so beautifully and they’re in sync.”
@JusticeMunyoro posted:
“Glory be to God.”
Another user, @mutasa_nhamo, simply added:
“
.”
Others joked about the cultural symbolism. @proudlyZimba said:
“
As Zimbabweans we must colonise the planet now.”
Some highlighted the pride in hearing Shona in such an international setting. @dominictb1983 commented:
“Wow it’s the Shona for me.”
Toyota ties and cultural exchange
Beyond the song, the meeting underscored Japan’s ongoing trade links with Africa. Commenting on the corporate side, @SimonMafohla wrote:
“Toyota Motor Corp has made buckets of money in Zimbabwe and South Africa… This is a fact…”
Others raised light-hearted concerns. @Clement_T1 remarked:
“Hope he told him, the Toyota Hilux prices are just ridiculous!!!!!!!!”
While the discussions at the TICAD Summit were centred on trade and investment, it was the Shona hymn that captured global attention.
- Also Read: VP Kembo Mohadi Cuts Ribbon For 10 Donated Chairs At Mpilo Hospital, Zimbabweans Unimpressed
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The post Watch: Cyril Ramaphosa Welcomed To Japan With Shona Hymn appeared first on iHarare News.
