SA vs Portugal: J’Something, other celebs with Portuguese roots
J’Something – singing the national anthem on behalf of his birth country Portugal at the Springboks game – is one of many with roots abroad.
The Springboks will face Portugal in their next test match, and many South Africans, like singer J’Something, will be supporting both countries. The Micasa frontman has Portuguese roots and will sing the national anthem on behalf of his birth country.
The match will take place at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
J’SOMETHING ON SINGING NATIONAL ANTHEM FOR PORTUGAL
This week, SA Rugby announced that J’Something – real name Joao da Fonseca – would be singing the national anthem for Portugal in Bloemfontein.
The European country will meet the Springboks for the first time in a test match on Saturday, 20 July.
For the Micasa frontman, the performance will be a “full circle” moment, as he was born in Portugal. The singer – who often incorporates Portuguese language and elements into his music – moved to South Africa when he was just seven years old.
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He shared in an Instagram Story of his: “Can’t believe this is actually happening. Unreal”
In 2017, the singer performed Nkosi Sikel’i Afrika for the Springboks when they played against France at Ellis Park Stadium (now Emirates Park).
He shared in a Facebook post at the time: “I have never felt so proud. I hope I made you proud! Thank you, Springboks! It was a privilege to sing the national anthem of our beautiful country!”
SOUTH AFRICANS WITH PORTUGUESE ANCESTRY
Apart from J’Something, here are other South African celebrities with roots in Portugal…
Former Miss SA Vanessa Carreira
TV and radio presenter Jeannie D
Rugby player Schalk Ferreira
Former Miss SA Marilyn Ramos
The late singer Costa Titch
Former Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel
RASSIE: ‘I KNOW A LOT OF PORTUGUESE’
Meanwhile, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus – who hails from Bloemfontein – has praised the Portugal national for their “entertaining” rugby skills.
He added: “I know Bloemfontein really well. I know a lot of Portuguese people and friends flying in who are Portuguese. There will be a lot of support”.
Monumental 🙌
Rassie is ready for Portugal 🇵🇹
Watch episode 5 of Rassie on Alles 📹#ForeverGreenForeverGold#Springboks pic.twitter.com/HW8lQhtjjm
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 19, 2024
