Local chefs, whether that means your parents making a Sunday feast or a 5 star chef’s servings are all celebrated today—International Chef Day! Did you know this day has its roots in South Africa? That’s why it’s only fitting that South African chefs recently got their own anthem, one that can echo for chefs around the world!
Global (20 October 2023) — South Africans and our food heritage have an unbreakable bond. From the braai to the bobotie, if you’ve experienced the local food culture scene, you need no elaboration. So, when International Chefs Day rolls around, it comes as little surprise that the worldwide day actually has its origins in South Africa. And this year, another ingredient has been added to the celebration—music, as local chefs get their very own anthem!
SA Chefs Association (a non-profit industry body) sprinkled a harmonious twist upon International Chefs Day by launching an official chef anthem, ‘Singabapheki’, a song that beautifully encapsulates the spirit and passion of local chefs from all walks of life.
This anthem also honours Chefs Day and its place in South Africa’s culinary history. What is now a time of recognition in kitchens around the world was established almost two decades ago by the late Dr Bill Gallagher, a UK-born South African and former President of Worldchefs.
Singabapheki is the marrying of these ingredients: SA heritage and cheffing it up!
The anthem itself was composed and performed by talented singer-songwriter and content producer Ngasii and ZenaniSings, a native of the small Eastern Cape town of Cala.
Inspired by his personal culinary experiences, Ngasii shared his thoughts on the song’s creation:
“When I was eight, my Mama taught me how to bake. She began with her super fluffy banana-infused muffins that I believe her Mama used to make. I wrote this into the song as a personal touch with the line ‘Mama’s famous muffins’.”
Ngasii’s special connection to his mother’s cooking and the artistry of chefs professional or may as well be professional, led him to craft Singabapheki.
The anthem merges English, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, and Sesotho languages, reflecting the rich linguistic tapestry of South Africa by celebrating the fusion of flavours, influences and traditions.
“I see South Africa as a beautiful market full of food stands upon food stands with the most incredible dishes you’ve yet to taste. I hope this ode to chefs, cooks and cooking-enthusiasts alike further connects the colours of our glorious rainbow nation.”— Ngasii.
Pieter Malan of SA Chefs adds, “The South African culinary industry has a diverse and rich history, with many great chefs from all over the world having contributed to and shaped the industry over the decades. Today, the directors and regional management of the Association are 100% South African.
“Our rich culinary history and the diverse influences of our rainbow nation make the South African chef fraternity unique in the world, and, as a fellowship of chefs, we can be proud of what we’ve achieved. Singabapheki is more than a song – it’s an anthem which unites us as a fellowship and a community. Whether you are a kasi hustler making kotas on the side of the road or a five-star chef in a fine dining restaurant, this anthem is for you and signifies the pride we all share in our cooking techniques and history.”
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