SHOUT campaign releases third single to build school libraries

1 Oct 2015 - 12:42

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Since its launch in 2007, SHOUT has been known for bringing South Africans together to play their part in moving the country forward. SHOUT for a Safer South Africa was founded in 2007 by musicians Danny K and Kabelo Mabalane (from TKZee ) following the tragic murder of reggae legend Lucky Dube. For Danny K, Lucky Dube’s untimely death was the last straw in the unrelenting effects and pressures of the crime epidemic in the country. He joined forces with Kabelo to produce a remake of the 1984 Tears for Fears hit, ‘Shout’, spreading a strong anti-crime message with the help of a host of local musicians and celebrities. The track shattered all records and became the biggest full track download in South African music history, receiving the 2010 SAMA in recognition.

Danny K. Photo: chrissaunderssa.blogspot.co.za
Kabelo. Photo: chrissaunderssa.blogspot.co.za
Mi Casa. Photo: chrissaunderssa.blogspot.co.za

In 2012, SHOUT released its second song, ‘You’re the Voice’, once again with the help of local celebrities uniting for the campaign. The follow up was equally as successful as the previous campaign, again winning a SAMA for the biggest full track download and solidifying SHOUT as a crime-fighting NPO. For the past eight years, the organisation has been hard at work using the funds raised from its first two tracks, to help fight crime by donating to a variety of crime-focused NGOs and initiatives. With the launch of what has been dubbed SHOUT 3, the focus now shifts to education.

This year SHOUT has returned with its third track, titled ‘Smile’. The original song was written by Mi Casa and SHOUT co-founders Kabelo and Danny K and produced by Danny K. It features a host of top local musicians and celebrities lending their talents to the track and accompanying music video. Some of the artists involved local hip-hop heavyweights Cassper Nyovest, iFani, Reason, Anatii, Khuli Chana and K.O, as well as artists across all genres, including Lloyd Cele, Muzart, Chad Saaiman, Prince Circle, Zolani Mahola (from Freshlyground), Locnville, Donald, The Soil, Tamara Dey, Ziyon (from Liquideep), Kurt Darren, Elvis Blue, The Arrows, Khaya Mthetwa, Charlize Berg, Gangs of Ballet and the sultry trumpet tones of Hugh Masekela.

It looks set to become SHOUT’s most successful campaign yet. Most importantly, all funds raised from the sale of the new song will go towards raising funds to build libraries and promote education in the country. SHOUT's focus is simple: education can make a difference in the fight against crime and violence; increase literacy and empower children with the tools they need to learn and live a successful and crime-free adult life. The roll-out will be far and wide, reaching the most needy schools and communities. SHOUT has already got the ball rolling by building three libraries in Soweto, Mitchells Plain and Phalaborwa.

The track can be bought and downloaded from iTunes. If you’re in South Africa you can also SMS the word ‘Smile’ to 40388 to donate R20 and get the track! For more information, visit the SHOUT website or social media pages. Or go behind the scenes in the video below.