Afrikaans has reached an extraordinary milestone – 100 years as one of South Africa’s official languages. It’s not just a reason to celebrate – it’s a moment to reimagine, reconnect, and renew what it means to be proudly Afrikaans in today’s world.
Let’s be honest – when was the last time you got excited to sing “Veels Geluk Liewe Maatjie”? On 8 May, lively conversations kicked off: maybe it’s time for a new birthday song. One that reflects the heartbeat of today’s Afrikaans community – joyful, expressive, inclusive, and fresh.
“Virseker is stepping up. We’re launching a nationwide campaign to create a brand-new Afrikaans birthday song – something memorable, meaningful, and proudly local,” says Morné van Emmenes, Head of Marketing at Virseker. “A song that can be sung at every birthday, by anyone who loves Afrikaans.”
This song should celebrate the evolution of Afrikaans – its energy, humour and heart. This is more than a song; it’s a cultural gift that can be passed from one generation to the next.
“We’re inviting all South Africans to help write it. Whether you’re a poet, rapper, student, singer, or just someone who loves the language – share your lyrics, ideas, audio, videos or even voice notes. The only rule? It must be proudly and powerfully Afrikaans,” said van Emmenes. To make things even more exciting, participants stand a chance to win random hampers and shopping vouchers – just for getting involved!
To help shape the song, Virseker assembled a panel of iconic artists – including Sonja Heroldt, Early B, Karen Zoid and Anton Goosen – who will guide, and later help choose which ideas will inspire the final version.
Visit https://www.virseker.co.za/onsverjaar/ for helpful tips and to join the movement. And while you’re there – why not request a call-back or a quick quote from Virseker? It only takes a few seconds and could be the smartest move you make all day.
Let’s give Afrikaans the birthday song it deserves. Let it start with you. In Afrikaans. For Afrikaans.
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