As we head towards the highly anticipated DStv Mzansi Viewer’s Choice Awards, a prestigious shindig honouring exceptional stars in the creative and sports industry, as well as celebrate personal triumph of amazing every day South Africans, we’ve decided to reflect on some of the biggest moments for culture in the past decade!
- CASSPER NYOVEST SELLS OUT FNB STADIUM!
The South African flag billowed towards the rainy horizons in December 2018 at FNB Stadium. Here, Cassper Nyovest became the first ever South African artist to sell out Africa’s biggest stadium!
Eight years before he accomplished his wildest dream, which had started with yet another historical feat #FillUpTheDome in 2016, Spain had whipped the Netherlands 1-0 to emerge as the FIFA 2010 World Cup champions!
Therefore, it was fitting that the grounds which once hosted the first ever FIFA Soccer World Cup to be held in South Africa, would now have a local artist echoing the endless possibilities it contains.
Storming onto the stage in a dazzling costume that brought together his SeTswana garb and elements of his Mufasa alter ego, Cassper Nyovest walked in front of the biggest crowd ever sold by an African headline artist.
At just 27, he’d managed to achieve what only the likes of Rihanna, Coldplay, U2, Lady Gaga and a handful of global mega pop-stars had done.
- 2010 FIFA SOCCER WORLD CUP!
On June 11th in 2010, the nation triumphantly kicked off the decade as the first ever African country to host the FIFA Soccer World Cup!
Siphiwe Tshabalala blew the net in the first ten minutes, scoring the first goal for Bafana Bafana, as well the first for the tournament.
Although the match against Mexico ended in a 1-all draw, that goal kicked off not only the World Cup, but set in motion a new dimension of victories for the country and continent!
People around the world were immersed in the rich texture of our diversity and warm hospitality, while also bringing their own way of life to bolster the prism of global heritage that painted a new picture about our nation!
- DEMI-LEIGH NEL-PETERS & ZOZIBINI TUNZI WIN MISS UNIVERSE!
We are incredibly proud that South Africa, within the last three years, has seen our esteemed Miss South Africa crown wearing Beauty and Brainiac’s. Sauntering past scores of international representatives, two of our incredible Miss SA Winner’s landed in the top 2 of the prestigious Miss Universe pageant and went on to win.
In 2017, Demi-Leigh raised the South African flag high when she was crowned Miss Universe, shining the light on all the sparkling treasures our country has to offer.
And to conclude the decade on a high, Zozibini Tunzi proved that we really are a nation of winners. Fresh off winning the Miss SA title to waves of applause, Zozibini went on to shake the global landscape when she clinched the Miss Universe title in September 2019.
Zozibini has since become a symbol of inspiration, as multitudes around the world relate to her story. She’s risen from so little, navigating unfavourable socio-economic conditions to emerge triumphant.
By the end of the decade, she was using her platform to inspire girls to ‘take up space’. You love to see it.
- SPRINGBOKS WIN THE 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP!
Also ending off the decade in style, the South African national rugby team thrashed England 32-12 to claim the glorious victory as undisputed world champions.
And much like the 1995 World Cup, which marked a landmark win as the trophy would also land in Nelson Mandela’s hands, the 2019 win represented multiple triumphs for the nation.
Further to the pride of winning the highly contested tournament, against odds, South Africa was also proud to have held the prestigious cup under the guidance of our first black captain, Siya Kolisi!
- BUSISWA AND MOONCHILD SANELLY ON THE LION KING SOUNDTRACK!
Beyoncé thrilled fans globally when she revealed the track list for Disney’s 2019 The Lion King movie. In South Africa, however, spikes of glee struck the streets when locals found out that our very own, Busiswa and Moonchild Sanelly, would appear on ‘The Gift’ album.
The 27-track project was a sonic assembly of various African artists who showcased their exceptional songwriting skills to the world.
On a track called ‘My Power’, South African muso’s Busiswa and Moonchild Sanelly, delivered energetic hooks alongside Beyoncé and Tierra Whack.
Visit the DStvMVCA Voting Page to cast your vote now, and stand a chance to win awesome prizes! The DStv Viewer's Choice Awards will air on Mzansi Magic, DStv channel 161 on March 14th!
Image Credit: Supplied