South African singer-songwriter Jesse Clegg has been confirmed as the voice of the national anthem when the Springboks face the All Blacks in their highly anticipated Test in Baltimore on Saturday.
The fourth and final meeting between the rugby giants is expected to be a major occasion, with supporters from both nations preparing for another chapter in one of rugby’s biggest rivalries.
Kick-off is scheduled for 23:00 South African time, but the build-up will begin well before the first whistle — and the traditional anthem ceremony is set to have a distinctly South African flavour.
Jesse Clegg to perform national anthem
Clegg, the son of legendary South African musician Johnny Clegg, will have the honour of performing South Africa’s national anthem before the Springboks take on New Zealand.
The 38-year-old Johannesburg-born artist has established himself as a successful singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in his own right.
Rather than following directly in his father’s musical footsteps, Jesse developed his own sound, combining alternative rock and contemporary pop influences.
He released his debut album, When I Wake Up, in 2008, with the album eventually achieving platinum status in South Africa.
Clegg has since built an international career, performing across North America and Europe and sharing stages with major artists.
The Baltimore Test is expected to mark his first performance of the South African anthem at a Springbok match, adding another special element to the occasion.
Matiu Walters returns for New Zealand
New Zealand’s anthem will be performed by Matiu Walters, the frontman of multi-platinum Kiwi band SIX60.
Walters is no stranger to the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry, having already performed the New Zealand anthem during Tests at Ellis Park and DHL Stadium earlier in the series.
His return ensures another familiar voice will be part of the pre-match ceremony in Baltimore.
US anthem also expected
With the Test taking place on American soil, supporters can also expect a performance of The Star-Spangled Banner.
Contemporary pop and R&B artist Coda Whit, a native of the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region, is expected to perform the United States national anthem.
The combination of three national anthems promises to create a memorable atmosphere before the rugby gets underway.
A special setting for a famous rivalry
The Springboks and All Blacks rivalry needs little introduction, but staging the Test in Baltimore gives the occasion an international feel beyond the traditional rugby heartlands.
With Jesse Clegg representing South Africa, Matiu Walters performing for New Zealand and Coda Whit expected to represent the host nation, the pre-match ceremony should provide a fitting soundtrack to what promises to be a huge encounter.
Will Jesse Clegg’s rendition of the South African anthem make this Baltimore Test even more special for Springbok supporters?
