CAPE TOWN – Anslin Gysman, from Kuilsriver and a University of the Western Cape human resources professional has become the voice behind the Springboks’ new anthem “They Don’t Know What We Know,” transforming a viral AI-generated song into an emotional anthem for South African rugby.
Gysman, a 30-year-old singer who grew up in Philippi but now resides in Kuils River, works full-time in UWC’s payroll department. He was selected by SA Rugby after an audition process that followed the viral success of an AI-created version of the song.
Gysman is a well-known South African singer, songwriter, and radio host known for his emotive, faith-based music and soul-stirring performances. Based in Cape Town, he has risen to prominence through The Voice South Africa and his work with The Vocal Associates. He recently won the “Inspirasie-mens met Kuier” award at the Netwerk24 Smaakmaker-toekennings. “I didn’t even curate an expectation that I’d get the job considering all the incredible people who were invited to audition. I had to sing for my life,” Gysman said in an interview with UWC.
The journey began when content creator Skiwi used artificial intelligence to generate the original version, which gained significant traction online. SA Rugby then invited singers to audition for a human-performed version.
“I received a call from SA Rugby inviting me to an audition for the song. They shared the link to the AI version, and I fell in love with it immediately,” Gysman explained.
Despite his musical success, Gysman remains committed to his academic aspirations. He holds an undergraduate degree in linguistics and multiple postgraduate qualifications in human resources, advanced taxation, strategic finance and informatics. He is currently completing another master’s degree and plans to begin a PhD this year.
“Singing was never my dream. It has always been a passion of mine. My dream is to become a professor of commerce one day. Above all my skills and abilities, I am an academic at heart,” he said.
At UWC, colleagues describe him as quiet and reserved. “I’m actually very quiet,” he admits. “People think what they see online is my full personality, but I’m quite shy.”
His role in the university’s HR division focuses on payroll administration. “My role is to make sure people get paid,” he said simply.
From church to national stage
Gysman’s musical journey began in childhood at church, and he later became a finalist on season three of The Voice SA. He is also a radio host, content creator and supports the DHL Stormers.
The anthem project became deeply personal for him during the recording process. “I cried real tears because it felt as if I could sense the healing and restorative properties of this song for South Africa,” he said.
“I thought about every boy from the Cape Flats who looks like me and dreams like me, I thought about every mother who would stop at nothing to see their kids succeed, I saw my grandmother, who was obsessed with rugby, cheer me on and my late uncle who would quietly stand in the crowd feeling proud of me.”
For Gysman, the anthem represents more than rugby enthusiasm. “The song is a beacon of hope, a heart’s posture and a bold declaration of hope for us as a country,” he said.
“I realised what a great moment it is, not only for me but for South Africa, to have something on the airwaves that people can hold onto as a symbol of resilience – that’s incredibly powerful.”
The singer, who has performed at rugby fan malls during World Cup seasons, described the opportunity as “the greatest honour to serve my country in this capacity.”
Looking ahead, Gysman plans to continue his academic pursuits whilst developing his music career, with new releases planned alongside his PhD studies.
His advice to aspiring artists reflects his own journey: “The reward for your labour isn’t overnight. Nothing that is meant for you will miss you. It will locate you when the time is right and elevate you in a season that has been set aside for you.”
