South Africans thought they knew Makazole Mapimpi. The Springbok winger has earned legendary status on the field, dazzling fans with record-breaking performances.
Off the pitch, he’s made headlines for his bold fashion choices and community activism. But now, the rugby icon has revealed yet another unexpected skill: singing.
Mapimpi recently took to TikTok and uploaded a video of himself singing a popular Maskandi song — a deeply emotive genre rooted in Zulu tradition and storytelling.
The clip, captioned with the viral Zulu expression “Wethu hayi kabi”, sent fans into a frenzy. The reaction was instant and overwhelming. “The ladies, in particular, seem to be head over heels,” noted one social media user.
Watch the clip here: Mapimpi’s TikTok singing video
A new voice for a new cause
This isn’t the first time Mapimpi has used his platform to surprise — and inspire. In December 2022, he founded the Makazole Mapimpi Foundation, a community-focused initiative aimed at empowering youth through sports, music, and cultural expression.
The foundation’s focus extends beyond athletics. It also aims to combat gender-based violence (GBV) — an issue Mapimpi has personally committed himself to.
“The foundation’s core focus is youth development,” reads a statement on the website. “But GBV advocacy is just as important. Mapimpi has been a GBV activist for several years and established the foundation to further this cause.”
As SuperSport recently noted, Mapimpi is passionate about using his story to raise awareness and create access to education and sports for underprivileged youth — especially in his native Eastern Cape.
It’s no surprise then that music would be another medium for him to connect with his roots and reach a wider audience.
The unintentional influencer
If it feels like Mapimpi’s talents are being discovered by accident — that’s because they are.
His fashion sense exploded on TikTok thanks to casual “fit check” videos. Fans now flock to his account not just for updates on his rugby life but also for a glimpse at his unique fashion styling — a mash-up of wide-leg trousers, cropped shirts, blinged-out accessories, and sharp tailored suits.
“Literally have nothing bad to say. You’re always on point,” wrote one follower.
“Mastered the skill of rugby+fashion,” said another.
Mapimpi has even teamed up with brands like Relevance for Men Tailored Suits, further cementing his growing influence in the South African fashion scene. (Read more here)
A national treasure in the making
Whether it’s scoring tries, singing Maskandi, launching a youth foundation, or serving looks on TikTok — Makazole Mapimpi is a modern South African icon.
From the rugby pitch to empowering disadvantaged youths, his impact is undeniable.
With each new video, fans are left wondering: what can’t Makazole Mapimpi do?
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