SANDF band plays Tyla’s Water at SONA

SANDF brass band performance SONA, Tyla Water song SONA event, South African National Defence Force band Parliament, Tyla hit Water brass band version, South Africa water crisis debate, SONA 2025 cultural moment, Bona Magazine

It was meant to be a formal, dignified evening. Red carpets. Political speeches. Military precision. But when the South African National Defence Force brass band struck the first recognisable notes of Water, the mood at the State of the Nation Address shifted in seconds.

Yes, that Water.

The global smash hit by Tyla echoed through a room usually reserved for policy and protocol. And while some attendees smiled at the playful twist, many South Africans watching from home could not ignore the irony.

A viral moment nobody expected

Clips of the SANDF brass band performance quickly made the rounds online. Social media lit up as viewers reacted to the unexpected choice of song during such a serious national event.

For some, it was a proud moment. Tyla has taken South African music to international stages, and hearing her hit reimagined by a military brass band felt like a cultural milestone. It showed just how deeply Water has embedded itself into the country’s identity.

But others were less amused.

South Africa continues to grapple with widespread water shortages and infrastructure challenges. In several communities, taps run dry for days at a time. Municipal supply issues and ageing systems have left residents frustrated and exhausted. Against that backdrop, the choice of Water struck many as tone-deaf.

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Pride, irony, and a country in conversation

The contrast was hard to miss. Inside Parliament, polished brass instruments celebrated one of the country’s biggest music exports. Outside, many households are still stockpiling buckets and planning their days around unpredictable supply.

That tension fuelled debate online. Some viewers questioned the timing, asking whether a song so closely tied to current hardships was appropriate for the occasion. Others defended the performance, arguing that art and politics often intersect in unexpected ways and that Tyla’s success deserves to be recognised on every platform.

It is worth remembering that “Water” is not just a chart-topping hit. It catapulted Tyla onto the global stage and became a defining moment for South African pop culture. From dance challenges to international award stages, the track reshaped how the world sees local talent.

So perhaps the SANDF brass band was doing what music often does best: reflecting the moment, even if that reflection feels uncomfortable.

These morons are literally playing "Water" by Tyla at SONA 🤣🤣🤣

You can't make this stuff up. pic.twitter.com/uE92jJTPir

— 𝖱𝖤𝖢𝖮𝖭𝟣 ®✞ (@Recon1_ZA) February 12, 2026

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More than just a song

SONA is traditionally about setting the tone for the year ahead. It blends ceremony with substance. Military bands are part of that long-standing tradition, offering performances that range from patriotic classics to contemporary favourites.

This year, Water carried extra meaning. Whether seen as a celebration of South African excellence or a poorly timed choice during a national crisis, it sparked a conversation the country clearly needed.

In true South African fashion, humour, frustration, and pride all collided in one viral clip. And for a brief moment, politics took a back seat to pop culture.

Love it or question it, one thing is certain: when the SANDF brass band played Water at SONA, South Africa was watching.