Watch: This SA expat has manag

Patrick Othandwayo Sakayi leads his choir in a rousing rendition

Watch: This SA expat has managed to get a small Irish village singing Shosholoza [video]

When your name is Patrick, you’re always going to fit in with the Irish

Watch: This SA expat has manag

Patrick Othandwayo Sakayi leads his choir in a rousing rendition

It’s often been referred to as South Africa’s ‘second national anthem’ and has become ingrained in our country’s sporting identity.

Now it seems Shosholoza has captivated a new and unlikely audience in the small Irish village of Kilfinane, County Limerick…

After leaving Cape Town in March, Patrick Othandwayo Sakayi did what any self-respecting local in Ireland would do: He got himself down the pub and immersed himself in a boozy session, ending with a sing-song. Could it be any more Irish?

Well yes. He only went and chose St. Patrick’s Day to endear himself to the locals, didn’t he? The beer was flowing, the craic was fierce (that’s Irish for ‘it was lit af’) and our expat was up next to sing.

At first, his choice of Shosholoza may have raised an eyebrow or two, but luckily for Patrick, the Irish are the best people in the world and they lapped up the whole performance.

Patrick recollects how the song of his homeland became a village favourite:

“I didn’t know a single soul living here… but that all changed on St Patrick’s Day, and one would swear I grew up in this village – that’s how friendly and inclusive everyone is here.”

I was asked to form a choir and lead it. I’ve never done that in my life! We tried Shosholoza and they nailed it in minutes. I asked my friend Annette to take this video to add to our little collection. Didn’t think it would get the response and reaction it’s received so far…”

You can see the Kilfinane village choir knock it out of the park with Shosholoza right here: