South African President Cyril Ramaphosa continues to command respect worldwide. As leader of Africa’s most industrialized economy, his influence stretches far beyond the continent. South Africa remains a crucial trade giant, partnering with global powers like Japan, China, and the European Union.
Ramaphosa is often seen promoting investment opportunities and building diplomatic ties abroad. His leadership has placed South Africa at the heart of international trade discussions.
On his latest visit to Japan, he attended a high-profile trade and investment forum. What awaited him, however, was far from ordinary—it was a moment filled with song and cultural connection.
Japanese welcome Cyril Ramaphosa singing in Shona
In a surprising twist, Japanese hosts welcomed Ramaphosa with a heartfelt Shona song. The crowd sang with passion, pronouncing every word beautifully. Their effort stunned many South Africans but delighted Zimbabweans worldwide. For Ramaphosa, the moment was unforgettable. His face lit up with joy as he soaked in the performance.
Smiles, laughter, and appreciation filled the hall. Some singers even added Ndebele phrases, deepening the gesture of unity. Social media quickly reacted after a video of the moment surfaced. One X user wrote, “Meanwhile in Japan @CyrilRamaphosa was welcomed by a Shona song to a trade and investment forum.” Many praised Japan’s respect for African culture.
Zimbabweans felt proud, calling it a sign of recognition for their language. South Africans, however, expressed mixed emotions, with some left in awe and others puzzled. Regardless, the welcome highlighted cultural diplomacy’s power. It showed music’s ability to connect people across continents.
What South Africans say
After the video was posted Japanese people singing shona as they welcomes President Ramaphosa, people had a lot to say.
@SedikoR “Welcomed through shona song is not synonym of welcome by shona. Just like welcomed through an English song sang by an African doesn’t mean welcomed by an English person.”
@tapiwa4 “Japanese envoys in Zim give speeches in shona coz the 2 languages are so similarly structured”
@afroking_jonty “A few hours ago Australia vs South Africa cricket you could hear ‘munovapirei doro’ song on tv 
”
@zimrobbie “Does that change the fact that they want Shona to Cyril even if there was a Hebrew partner a sign language part
”
@MpumalangaPost “Why they sang it to Cyril not Mnangangwa though because Shona is not the South African official language?”
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The post Watch: Japanese welcome Cyril Ramaphosa singing in shona appeared first on iHarare News.
