International Chefs Day, celebrated on 20 October, is a special occasion for chefs around the world. This year, SA Chefs Association is adding a new ingredient to the mix – a chef anthem entitled “Singabapheki”.

The origin of International Chefs Day dates back to 2004 when the late Dr Bill Gallagher, a UK-born South African and former President of Worldchefs, established it. Today, chefs across the globe proudly carry the torch, ensuring this day remains a symbol of unity and pride for chefs everywhere.

“Singabapheki” is a catchy 21st-century tune, written and performed by Ngasii and ZenaniSings, a talented singer-songwriter, producer, and content creator. Born and raised in the small Eastern Cape town of Cala, Ngasii has ventured far from his humble beginnings. With a Master’s degree from Nelson Mandela University, he is no stranger to creativity and innovation. His research paper on the SA genre Gqom as a representation of black urban youth identity showcased his deep understanding of South African culture.

Ngasii’s inspiration for “Singabapheki” draws from his personal culinary experiences, especially his childhood memories of baking with his mother. “When I was eight, my Mama taught me how to bake. She began with her super-fluffy banana-infused muffins that I believe her Mama used to make. I wrote this into the song as a personal touch with the line ‘Mama’s famous muffins’,” Ngasii shares. The care and love that his mother put into her cooking inspired him to convey the spirit of chefs in the song.

Ngasii’s vision for the song goes beyond just music; it’s a celebration of South Africa’s rich culinary diversity and a reminder of the heart and soul that chefs pour into their craft. Ngasii’s aim was to capture the essence of the country’s bustling food scene, and he did this by skilfully merging English, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, and Sesotho into the lyrics. The result is a melodious ode to chefs, cooks, and anyone passionate about the culinary arts.

Pieter Malan, of SA Chefs, believes that the anthem transcends boundaries in the culinary industry. “Whether you are a kasi hustler making kotas on the side of the road or a five-star chef in a fine dining restaurant, this anthem is for you and signifies the pride we all share in our cooking techniques and history.”

This International Chefs Day, “Singabapheki” is set to resonate with chefs from all walks of life, adding a new dimension to the celebration of the culinary arts in South Africa.