There are first times that leave a mark, and Anlia Etzebeth’s debut at the Hollywoodbets Durban July was clearly one of them. The singer and actress opened the 130th edition of the country’s most celebrated racing event with a performance of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika that drew the crowd in from the first note — thousands of voices joining hers as she brought the anthem home at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in Durban.
Speaking after the performance, Etzebeth was warm in her reflection. This is my first Durban July, and it has been really great, she said. The moment, she added, gave her a deep sense of national pride — and for those in the stands who sang with her, it showed.
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A gown built for the occasion
The fashion side of her Durban July debut was equally considered. Etzebeth wore a white hand-beaded gown featuring more than 100 carefully placed pearls, created by the same designer who made her wedding dress. The connection gave the look an added layer of personal meaning.
She completed the ensemble with engraved white leather boots, a detail that grounded the gown in the Country Allure theme of this year’s event without losing any of its elegance. The result was a look that felt entirely of the moment — a modern South African woman, dressed for a day that demanded both occasion and identity.
New music on the way
For those who follow her music closely, Etzebeth also confirmed that a new release is in the works — an Afrikaans country song developed in collaboration with Hollywoodbets. It is a natural extension of a career that has built steadily through Afrikaans chart success, a loyal fanbase and a series of high-profile performance opportunities that continue to expand her reach.
Between the anthem, the gown and what is coming next, this particular July marked a genuinely significant moment in Anlia Etzebeth’s public life.
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