This is not the first time J' Something has belted out the national anthem before a rugby match.
Being asked to sing the national anthem before an international sporting event is an honour in itself.
For musician Jay Something, the dignified gesture was made even more endearing by a rugby match at the weekend pitting his native Portugal against the country he grew up in, South Africa.
“It's hard to find the words. It was a moment where I could look back. I grew up in South Africa and formed my identity. You can't say I'm South African without also saying I'm Portuguese,” Jay Something said. Citizen.
Jay Something, whose real name was Joao da Fonseca, emigrated with his family from Portugal to South Africa at the age of seven in search of a better life.
“I called her [mother] Afterwards, we will reflect on the decisions and sacrifices we made.”
This is not the first time J'Something has sung the national anthem before a rugby match, he has done so before. African Nkosi sikelel' Ahead of the Springboks and All Blacks battle at Ellis Park.
“I wanted to sing both national anthems but all we agreed on was to sing the Portuguese national anthem. But it's a real honour to sing the Portuguese national anthem. I never thought I'd see Portugal play rugby,” said the Mi Casa lead singer.
South Africa's national anthem Idol SA Winner: Jordy Williams.
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Singing rugby player
For Jay Something, who grew up attending Graham College, one of the country's most prestigious sports schools, and playing high school rugby, the moment was a turning point in his life.
“I played rugby and I loved the sport,” said Jay Something, who played for Graham College's first team for three years.
“I've won 49 caps for the first team and worn the full colours but looking back, music wasn't at the forefront of what I wanted to do as a kid. I come from a traditional school with a long history so I was focused on playing at Craven Week and winning the colours,” the singer asserted.
J'Something initially played as a lock-position forward before moving to the backline and playing as a winger and outside centre.
He played rugby throughout high school, but said he had to hide his participation because his mother disliked him playing.
“My mother never watched any of my matches, she thought I was going to get hurt,” Jay Something said. The famous singer revealed that his mother didn't come to Bloemfontein to see her son sing the Portuguese national anthem. “She likes to keep a low profile because she gets very emotional about things.”
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Restaurateur
The media personality is set to become a restaurateur, combining his passion for food and music when he opens The Artistry by J'Something in Sandton in early 2023.
“We've been inviting different local artists to perform their work. We have a theater for film screenings. We also do unplugged shows. It's a place for artists to connect with the community.”
“Business is going well. I'm not running it to increase profits because I'm a businessman, not a clown. I'm able to employ more than 30 staff who can support their families,” he said.
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