The Hope Song – a nation united

by Madi on June 10, 2010

On the 11th of June a Nation will stand united celebrating a dream come true at the official Opening of the Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup. However amongst us will be an emptiness morning the death of our greatest tenor Siphiwo Ntsehebe.

Ntsehbe was due to lead the opening anthem with his song called Hope with words of former South African President and world icon Mr Nelson Mandela.The Tenor already recorder the song before he fell critically ill with bacterial meningitis.

The singer passed away in a hospital in Port Elizabeth, his home town. Millions of spectators will have the opportunity to hear the song at the launch of the games. This song will not only touch the heart of all South Africans united, but will also touch the world. For the lyrics of the Hope song touch ones heart and give you a new perspective on life itself.

Your prayer sounds more beautiful than your name
you bring the voice of hope to me again
and when you rise to find your dream
I will be your wings
see your journey through.
When you find peace in your heart
When we are one beneath the stars
When your spirit wonders on the wind
I’m your sanctuary
In your soul you’ll come
Spread thou word indeed.
You’ll need hope
There is always hope
when you have a dream ……..
Nelson Mandela
Siphiwo Ntshebe was South Africa’s Luciano Pavarotti. This young opera singer grew up in a shack on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth. He was on the brink of world fame after he was chosen by Nelson Mandela to sing at the opening of the 2010 Soccer World Cup on Friday.
He loved classical music and begged his neighbour to play songs of Mozart and Puccini for him. In return for favour the he did garden chores.
He did not understand the language, but he knew somehow those songs spoke to him. He did his first concert with an orchestra at the age of 16. He sung at the St James Palace for the Duke of Edinburgh. He also performed for Prince Albert from Monnoco, and a live audience at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Ntshebe also had a great love for football.
His absence will be mourned by thousands of South Africans. FIFA President Sepp Blaster together with South African chief organizer Danny Jordaan will lead a tribute to the singer. Mr Jordaan said that no one will be selected to fill the shoes of Ntshebe for 2010. They have decided to play the recording of the song that was recorded by Ntshebe earlier.

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