For Lordkez, performing South Africa’s national anthem at the Currie Cup final was about far more than taking the stage before a major sporting event. It was a homecoming moment that connected the Kimberley-born singer to the place where her dreams first began.
The SAMA-winning R&B and neo-soul artist delivered the anthem at Griqua Park ahead of the Currie Cup showdown between the Griquas and the Pumas, giving the hometown crowd a special musical moment before the rugby action got underway.
A Full-Circle Moment for Lordkez
Reflecting on the experience, Lordkez described the performance as one filled with pride and emotion.
For the singer, the significance came from returning to a venue and a city connected to her childhood, this time standing in front of the same community as an established artist.
She described it as the first opportunity she had to perform the national anthem live on ground she had once walked as a young girl with ambitions of making something of herself.
That connection made the occasion particularly meaningful, turning a high-profile sporting performance into a personal milestone.
Kimberley Welcomes Her Home
The atmosphere at Griqua Park added another layer to the occasion.
With Kimberley preparing for one of the biggest dates on the local rugby calendar, Lordkez found herself performing in front of a crowd deeply invested in the Griquas’ campaign.
The singer said the love and excitement from her hometown created an “unreal feeling”, highlighting the importance of representing the Northern Cape on a stage watched by a wider audience.
Her message to the home side was simple: “GO GRIQUAS.”
A Winning Day for the Griquas
The emotional significance of the performance was followed by a memorable result for the hosts.
The Griquas defeated the Pumas 23–16 in the Currie Cup final, securing back-to-back titles and giving the Kimberley crowd another reason to celebrate.
For Lordkez, the combination of the anthem performance, the home crowd and a Griquas victory made the occasion even more memorable.
Gratitude for the Opportunity
Lordkez also expressed her appreciation to the Bok Rugby team for giving her the opportunity to perform at the domestic rugby showpiece.
The invitation placed her music alongside one of South Africa’s most recognisable sporting traditions and allowed her to represent her hometown in front of a major audience.
It was also another indication of the singer’s growing profile beyond the R&B and neo-soul spaces in which she has built her reputation.
Lordkez Continues to Represent Kimberley
Lordkez has continued to carve out her own space in South African music, blending R&B and neo-soul influences with elements of her background and identity.
While her career has taken her beyond Kimberley, returning home for such a significant occasion carried a different kind of weight.
This time, she was not the young girl dreaming about making her mark. She was an accomplished artist standing before her hometown, performing the national anthem at a major sporting final.
For Lordkez, it was a reminder of how far the journey has taken her — and a celebration of the place where that journey began.
