Africa invites millions of tourists from all over the world each year. Voted a haven for relaxation, romance and adventure, she has drawn in celebrities who have undoubtedly fallen in love with our beautiful continent! South Africa in particular has offered breath-taking sights and landmarks, remarkable influential leaders, delectable local cuisines and not forgetting indigenous wildlife and flora. Needless to say, with such a beautiful country, and all it has to offer and surprise us with, it would be impossible for our favourite personalities to ever forget how it has made them feel… With some help we have put together a list of our top seven singers and actors who have visited or were born in South Africa and see what they had to say:
Waka Waka, eh eh. Nobody will forget Shakira’s world-class performance with Freshly Ground in Soweto during the 2010 soccer World Cup. Likewise, Shakira will never forget South Africa:
“I’ve learnt to see Africa with new eyes, from the perspective of a continent that has given the world so much, that has nourished it like a mother nourishes her child. A continent full of colours, feelings, smiles, and kids with enormous talent that are just waiting for the chance to shine…”
Speaking of musicians, Jared Leto has taken inspiration from South Africa:
“We have been very lucky in that we have toured South Africa twice, and plan on coming back. We’ve been inspired to write songs there, and recording there was an experience to be remembered.”
Born in Johannesburg, musician Dave Mathews has an organic love for this beautiful country:
“You find these cultural collisions that result in art and music and it’s pretty amazing.”
After visiting exquisite countries such as Zimbabwe and Egypt, Will Smith claimed that:
“It’s really beautiful. It feels like God visits everywhere else but lives in Africa.”
Having visited Africa enough times to count on both hands, Leonardo DiCaprio is no stranger, especially in South Africa. During his time spent filming Blood Diamond, he said:
“I saw a pack of 35 lions eat a wildebeest carcass and swam with giant manta rays. That was unbelievable. Africa’s natural beauty is unmatched.”
Actress, singer and author, Taraji P Henson has found South Africa’s food extraordinary:
“I love South African food because it’s flavourful, your taste buds dance, you just never know what combinations… very spicy. I love food that you can taste”.
Last but not least, Tom Hiddleston is well travelled but South Africa holds a special place in his heart. He described his time spent here as:
“I feel as though a cardboard box of my own reality has been flattened and blown open. Now I can see the edge of the world”.
With this much love for South Africa, we cannot wait to see them return and welcome others to our shores soon!