Confirmed: Special SA national anthem singer for Baltimore Test

As the Springboks and All Blacks head into the fourth and final Test of a gripping series, there will be plenty of anticipation around what the atmosphere will be like for this ‘marquee’ match in Baltimore, while many fans will be interested in who will sing the national anthems before kick off (23:00 SA time).

It has now been exclusively revealed to TheSouthAfrican that the South African national anthem will be performed by none other than Jesse Clegg.

The 38-year-old is a platinum-selling South African singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has carved out a distinct identity in alternative rock and contemporary pop. Born in Johannesburg in 1988, he spent much of his early childhood on the road with his father, legendary musician and anti-apartheid icon Johnny Clegg.

Exposed to global touring and a wide array of musical influences from an early age, he developed an authentic passion for songwriting, initially learning guitar before incorporating piano into his work.

Intentionally steering away from his father’s signature world-music sound to forge his own artistic path, Clegg made his formal debut in 2008 with the rock album When I Wake Up.

The release was a commercial and critical success, achieving platinum status in South Africa and earning multiple South African Music Award (SAMA) nominations. He followed up with Life on Mars (2011), recorded in Toronto with Grammy-winning producer David Bottrill, and Things Unseen (2016), which highlighted a broader, more pop-infused songwriting focus.

Throughout his career, Clegg has established himself as a prominent live performer across international stages. He has toured extensively in North America and Europe, supported major global acts such as Imagine Dragons and Joan Armatrading, and collaborated with a diverse mix of international and local talent, including Walk the Moon, Msaki, and Shekhinah.

Alongside his solo work, he remains involved in high-profile legacy and philanthropic projects, serving as an ambassador for the Nelson Mandela 46664 campaign and executive producing his late father’s final album, King of Time.

It’s believed that this will be his first time singing the South African national anthem before a Springbok game, and his performance should certainly set the scene for a special occasion in Baltimore.

New Zealand anthem to be sung by Matiu Walters before Springboks-All Blacks battle

Walters is a New Zealand singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known as the frontman for the multi-platinum pop-rock band SIX60, which he co-founded in 2008 while attending the University of Otago.

Under his leadership, the group has become one of New Zealand’s most successful musical acts, famous for hit anthems like “Don’t Forget Your Roots” and making history as the first local band to sell out major venues like Eden Park.

He has already sung the New Zealand anthem twice during the series, ahead of the All Blacks-Springboks Tests at both Ellis Park and DHL Stadium.

Meanwhile, it’s also understood that there will be a rendition of the USA national anthem, which is to be sung by Coda Whit. She is an emerging contemporary music artist who releases tracks within the pop and R&B spaces, including titles such as “Don’t Touch”.

Whit is a DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia) native.