Sister Bettina (Song)

Sister Bettina is a song by Nkosinathi Mfeka, who goes by the stage name Mgarimbe. It was released in 2005.[1] It is regarded as South Africa’s unofficial second national anthem. It is played during soccer, cricket and rugby matches.[2][3]

History

The song was recorded on a beat which was created by Mgarimbe's friend, Jabu Mgeni, who was a DJ. Jabu created the beat of the song on the software Fruity Loops. After listening to the song, Mgarimbe wanted the song to be deleted due to its vulgar lyrics. Jabu did not deleted but shared it with others, including minibus taxi drivers. Mgarimbe later heard the song being played in taxis.[1]

Royalties

Despite the song being a hit, Mgarimbe did not make a lot of money through the song.[4] In 2017, Mgarimbe revealed that he is working on new music which will be on the same calibre as his hit single, Sister Bettina.[5]

Reception

For 21 years, the song has been played all around South Africa.[1] In 2023, Siya Kolisi shared a video where he was teaching his Racing 92 teammates the lyrics to the song.[6]

Disputes

In 2007, Mgarimbe's Zimbabwe gigs were cancelled after a second artist claimed ownership of the song.[7]

Nominations

Despite the songs popularity over two decades, it has not won any awards. However, the song as nominated at House Music Awards in the category Best Kwaito Song.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b c Kemp, Grethe. "Here's the story behind the national anthem, Sister Bettina". News24. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  2. ^ Rugby, Magazine (2025-12-18). "Watch: Rassie feels Dezemba vibes". SA Rugby magazine. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  3. ^ Cele, ZamaNdosi (2023-10-27). "WATCH: Springboks fan asks Mzansi to teach him the 'Sister Bettina' lyrics ahead of Rugby World Cup final". IOL. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  4. ^ Matlala, Keamogetswe. "'I could've been a multimillionaire' – Mgarimbe on unpaid royalties for 17-year-old Sister Bethina". News24. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  5. ^ "Sister Bethina hitmaker Mgarimbe is not done yet". TimesLIVE. 2017-07-26. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  6. ^ Abrahams, Marchelle (2017-07-24). "WATCH: Siya Kolisi takes 'Sister Bettina' to France, has Racing 92 squad singing the lyrics". IOL. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  7. ^ "A storm in an empty pocket". Sowetan. 2007-04-05. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  8. ^ Motumi, Mpiletso (2021-06-18). "Trompies leads the pack with four nominations at Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards". The Star. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
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