The song One Day was the headline song at World Singing Day, October 17, 2026 in Cape Town at the Groote Kerk in Adderley Street. There were about 1 400 in attendance. The 2026 event was hosted in 50 countries – which is awesome – a global singing event.
The song “One Day” was written by Bruno Mars, Ari Levine, Matisyahu (Matthew Miller) and Philip Lawrence and produced by their production team, The Smeezingtons.
It is an anthem for peace. The song was released in April 2008. Matisyahu has described the song “as an anthem of hope, a prayer for peace, and a source of inspiration for people trying to awaken their broken hearts.” Watch here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Depd1CRoXGm/, https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C6z9rYzQv/ and https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSgMoH5qS/
The evening started with was a medley of much loved South African songs, including the stirring, My African Country. Vicky Sampson was there to sing the beautiful song which she made famous. It was written by Alan Lazar of Mango Groove and released October 1995 on Vicky’s album Shine and became an unofficial anthem for the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations. It was nominated for Song of the Decade in South Africa. What a privilege to have Vicky Sampson singing at WSD AND leading the audience, in song.
Room For Everyone was the designated World Singing Day 2026 song. Words and music by Paul and Ralph Colwell, Herb Allen, Pat Murphy and Tom Sullivan.
It was lovely to be part of the audience, singing with the host choir The Heartsong Collective and community choirs and soloists. Beautiful vocals from Mohau Moahloli. It was his birthday on WSD.
✳ World Singing Day 2026, Cape Town, hosted by The Heartsong Collective, featuring Vicky Sampson – see photo. Pic: Greg Zinn/TheCapeRobyn.
