Global pop superstar Tyla has earned praise from many South Africans for her rendition of the National Anthem ahead of Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup clash against Mexico, with fans saying she represented the country with grace and pride.

Many described the performance as classy and respectful, although some viewers felt she started the anthem on a low note and stumbled slightly during the Afrikaans section.

The performance itself was relatively understated, with some fans expressing disappointment that television cameras only focused on Tyla briefly towards the end of the anthem.

Others, however, noted that as a FIFA World Cup match, the spotlight was always going to be on the players rather than the performer.

Some also pointed out that the National Anthem is, in many ways, a prayer and should be delivered with a sense of solemnity, something they believe Tyla achieved beautifully.

Below are videos of Tyla’s performance shared on Instagram. The second clip, apparently recorded by a spectator in the crowd, offers a longer and clearer view of the performance.

 

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A post shared by Africangirlskillingit (@africangirlskillingit)

 

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A post shared by Tomás Mier (@tomas_mier)

 

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A post shared by Tyla (@tyla)