PRESS RELEASE | Kobus Muller To Represent South Africa At German Federal Government Open Day 2025

PRESS RELEASE - 28 August 2025

CELEBRATE SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE, UNITY, AND DIVERSITY WITH KOBUS MULLER’S NEW SINGLE ‘SHOSHOLOZA’

Kobus Muller Releases 'Shosholoza': A Cultural Anthem Celebrating Unity and Diversity.

Berlin, 28 August 2025 – South African-born, Berlin-based artist Kobus Muller successfully performed his reimagined version of Shosholoza at the Open Day of the German Federal Government 2025, held at the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin. Invited by the South African Embassy, Muller represented his homeland alongside other South African artists in Germany, delivering performances that captivated audiences and celebrated the nation’s cultural heritage.

A MUSICAL JOURNEY BRIDGING CONTINENTS

For Kobus Muller, Shosholoza was more than just a song—it was a journey that bridged his South African roots with his life in Berlin. Born and raised in South Africa, he carried the rhythms, stories, and spirit of his homeland wherever he went. In his interpretation, the call originated from Berlin, reaching out to his South African roots, while the response echoed back across continents—a musical dialogue reflecting his personal journey and the cultural bridge he aimed to create through music.

THE LEGACY OF SHOSHOLOZA

Shosholoza is a traditional Nguni song, historically sung by miners of mixed tribal backgrounds in South Africa’s gold mines. Combining Zulu and Ndebele words, and at times other South African languages, it reflects the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Performed in a call-and-response style, it uplifted miners under harsh conditions. Its lyrics reference steam trains that carried migrant workers from Zimbabwe to South Africa, but its deeper meaning is one of perseverance and hope. In Ndebele, Shosholoza means “go forward.” Later, the song was embraced by anti-apartheid activists as an anthem of resilience and unity, and today it is widely regarded as an unofficial national anthem of South Africa.

MANDELA DAY PERFORMANCE SPARKS INVITATION

Muller’s invitation to perform followed his acclaimed impromptu a cappella performance of the South African National Anthem on International Mandela Day, 18 July 2025, at the South African Embassy in Berlin. The Embassy posted a video of the performance on their official social media with the caption:

“Today, we honor the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela - a symbol of peace, justice, and the power of reconciliation. His unwavering vision continues to inspire generations around the globe. Adding to the spirit, renowned and multi-award-winning South African singer Kobus Muller, known for his powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics, brings a musical tribute that echoes the strength and resilience Mandela stood for.”

The performance resonated deeply with audiences and was widely shared, prompting the Embassy to invite Muller to perform again at the high-profile German Federal Government Open Day.

A CULTURAL BRIDGE AT GERMANY’S POLITICAL CENTER

At the Federal Foreign Office, Muller performed Shosholoza, the South African National Anthem, and an Afrikaans/Schlager song on the main stage in the Protokollhof. His performances were met with widespread acclaim, reinforcing his role as a cultural ambassador.

REIMAGINING A HERITAGE SONG

In his reimagined version, Muller honored the powerful legacy of Shosholoza while bringing a fresh perspective. He crafted a new arrangement with an original chorus and infused the song with influences from Amapiano, Afrobeats, German Schlager, Afrikaans Sokkie, World Music, and other African sounds. Producing the track himself, he carefully shaped beats, harmonies, and layered vocals, performing all backing vocals to create a unique call-and-response dynamic: the call from his life in Europe, the response from his African roots.

GLOBAL RELEASE AND STREAMING

The Open Day appearance also marked the global pre-release campaign for Shosholoza, scheduled for official release across all major streaming platforms on 12 September 2025 via Nextereo Records. The track bridges continents and cultures, inviting listeners to experience unity, resilience, and heritage through music.

KOBUS MULLER: A CAREER OF CULTURAL UNITY

Born and raised in Springs, South Africa, Kobus Muller rose to national fame after winning SABC 2’s Supersterre in 2007. Since then, he has released over sixteen albums in multiple languages—including Afrikaans, English, German, Zulu, Xhosa, and Sesotho—and performed in over 30 countries across six continents. His artistry continues to serve as a bridge between cultures, celebrating diversity, inclusion, and the unifying power of music.

“Music is a universal language,” said Muller. “It allows us to tell our stories, honor our heritage, and move forward as one. Through this performance and the global release of Shosholoza, I want to show that diversity is our strength, and that South Africa’s voice belongs on every stage worldwide.”

ADVOCACY AND LEGACY

Album cover for 'Die Onse Vader' by Kobus Muller. Click to stream or download the album on Spotify, Apple Music, and more. Beyond music, Muller has remained actively involved in philanthropic work supporting children’s health, animal rescue, and cancer research. His Mandela Day tribute and Berlin performance reinforce his commitment to carrying forward Nelson Mandela’s legacy of justice, compassion, and unity, while representing South African culture with pride abroad.

🔗 MORE INFORMATION

For more information kindly contact Kobus Muller Management: info@kobusmuller.de

📎 REFERENCES & FURTHER INFORMATION

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