Some of SA’s finest artists have come together to create a powerful “love letter to our nation” at a critical moment in our history, and our future. Over 30 diverse musicians representing multiple genres, cultures and generations have added their voices to ‘Because We Are’ – a song written by Freshlyground founders, Zolani Mahola (aka The One Who Sings) and Aron Halevi – under the collective name Mzansi All Stars.
The iconic music video to be released this week on Heritage Day (Thursday/24/Sept) has been created using hand-painted stop frame animation by Thabang Lehobye, a young up-and-coming visual artist based in JHB, and features homemade footage filmed by the contributing artists during Level 5 of Lockdown.
While our country grapples with the impact of Covid-19 on our lives and economy, along with deeply divisive social issues including racism and gender-based violence, ‘Because We Are’ reminds us of our resilience and demonstrates the power of diversity, collaboration and collective action in determining our trajectory.
“Heritage is not just about the past,” says Halevi. “Whatever we make now becomes the heritage of our future.” With South African public sentiment lower than it’s been since the tumultuous years of the 1980’s, the creative sector plays a crucial role in impacting the way we feel about ourselves, each other, our past and our future.
“We have a globally celebrated constitution,” says Mahola. “Now is the time to infuse these ideals into our minds and hearts and make its values truly come alive.” The video follows the journey of a young girl through significant moments of triumph and tribulation in South Africa’s past and present, highlighting the role of active citizenship and our audacity to shine, even in the darkest of times.
Video: Love letter to the Nation – Freshlyground Founders are joined by SA’s Top Musicians during lock down to sing for South Africa
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