It is unusual for a live concert recording to maintain momentum years after its release, but a distinctly South African reimagining of a famous American charity anthem has done just that. Led by the Mzanzi Koor alongside a large ensemble, this mass sing-along places a globally familiar song in a fresh communal setting. The official upload demonstrates an enduring online reach, capturing over 28.1 million views and around 158,000 likes when captured on 8 September 2026. The performance brings stars from different generations of Afrikaans popular music together for an ambitious stage production.
The official video is titled “We Are the World Medley (Live)” and comes from the Krone 5 audio-visual project. Krone was designed as a large South African sing-along production featuring medleys of familiar local and international music. Uploaded to YouTube by KRONELiveVEVO in March 2019, the performance runs for 4 minutes and 29 seconds on the audio release and appears as track 17 on the 18-track DVD. The footage captures a massive collaborative effort, though the specific venue and date of the recording remain unlisted.
The human centre of the performance is the Mzanzi Koor, connected to the broader work of the Mzansi Youth Choir. Based in Soweto, the organisation creates opportunities for talented teenagers and young adults. The term “Mzansi” is a familiar and affectionate colloquial name for South Africa, which fits the choir perfectly. Their broad repertoire frequently crosses traditional South African music, gospel, pop and jazz. Here, their vocal arrangements anchor the famous medley, providing a unified foundation for the shifting lineup of featured soloists.
A varied cast of popular artists joins the choir to complete the wider ensemble. The Music Man readers may know established performers Nicholis Louw and Kurt Darren represent Krone’s established Afrikaans pop tradition, while younger-generation artist Refentse provides a vocal and stylistic contrast. The official upload credits many additional performers who share the stage, contributing to the dense, layered sound of the live show. This collaborative approach highlights the scale of the concert, bringing different fan bases together to appreciate a familiar piece of music. Revisit the iconic 1985 charity recording session that originally brought global music legends together.
The original “We Are the World” carries a massive legacy. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, the 1985 Quincy Jones-produced track anchored the USA for Africa campaign. That effort raised over 100 million dollars for humanitarian aid and secured major Grammys. Decades later, fans still connect with its message. One viewer noted, “Wherever Michael Jackson is am sure he is smiling this song always brings some unity and togetherness.” Another fan added, “And this proves that 40 years ago people made real music that will last for generations. The 70s and the 80s best music decades of all time.”
While the original track drove an American humanitarian campaign, Krone repurposed the anthem for a commercial South African concert and sing-along format. There is no evidence this specific rendition was released as a fundraiser. However, the complete Krone 5 production did receive a 2019 South African Music Award nomination for Best Live Audio Visual Recording, though it did not win. Ultimately, the video’s lasting attraction lies in how a familiar global anthem acquires a recognisably South African ensemble identity. The choir and the mass sing-along format give the classic recording a fresh communal spirit.