Truth be told, I haven’t been out doing much Christmas shopping — the flu has seen to that — so I’ve mostly avoided the usual festive soundtrack assault. I did hear something Christmassy in a store yesterday, but it was so forgettable it evaporated before I reached the car.
People are always in an uproar about Boney M, yet their songs march on, unstoppable. Like tinsel. Or fruitcake. Or those blow-up Santas that look exhausted by December 10th.
And the truth? On average, Boney M remains one of the most popular Christmas acts on earth.
If, for some unfortunate reason, you don’t hear Boney M in a mall, shopping centre, lift, petrol station, hair salon, or your neighbour’s bakkie… don’t despair.
Spotify has all of it — and it explodes every December like clockwork.
Despite the moans and groans from weary mall-walkers, Boney M’s Christmas catalogue is still massively popular. Well done to them. Longevity is not easy in the world of festive music.
As if you didn’t already know, here are the top three Boney M tracks you’ll probably hear before the 25th:
Top 3 Boney M Tracks (Dominantly Christmas)
1. “Mary’s Boy Child / Oh My Lord” – The undisputed leader.
2. “Rivers of Babylon” – Their non-Christmas mega-hit that refuses to die.
3. “Feliz Navidad” – Yes, it’s a cover of José Feliciano’s classic, and yes, it’s everywhere.
Beyond Boney M, the usual Christmas favourites are back — according to those who’ve actually been braving the shops:
• All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey (no escape)
• Last Christmas – Wham!
• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Chrissy Hynde & The Pretenders
And if you’re fortunate, you might even hear South African gems:
• “Somlandela” – DJ Tira, Sizwe, Xowla (the amapiano Christmas hit of the moment — and probably 2025 too)
• “Somerkersfees” (Summer Christmas): composed by South African musician Koos du Plessis.
If you’re in the mood for something from the British archives, give these a listen:
Slade – “Merry Xmas Everybody” and Wizzard – “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday.”
(How these never took over SA malls, I’ll never know.)
And of course, for those who want something a little more reflective:
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” — John Lennon, Yoko Ono & The Plastic Ono Band.
Whatever you find listenable this Christmas — whether it jingles, croons, booms, or simply reminds you of better times — just play it. It’s Christmas, for goodness sake. Enjoy yourself. Despite everything happening in your life and the world, it’s still a moment worth celebrating.
