A record number of eighty local musicians, DJs, actors, sports personalities and influencers have joined forces to create a uniquely South African rendition of US singer and songwriter Bill Withers’ 1972 hit Lean on Me.
While the Mzansi version includes the song’s original chorus and some lyrics, it also features Setswana and Afrikaans. The producers and creators behind the song are hoping that it will become an uplifting theme song for the unprecedented time in which we are living.
The track, which was released online free of charge last week, was made in partnership with pharmaceuticals company Cipla SA.
According to iol Emo Adams, whose idea it was, said, “We wanted to shed light on mental issues and that’s why we partnered with Cipla, because they are also ambassadors for mental health. This will live on for longer than when the radio stops playing it and can become a theme song for Cipla in that regard.”
Adams convinced an impressive line up of celebrities to take part - Heinz Winckler, Jack Parow, Early B, SashaLee Davids, Paxton Fielies and David Kramer all lend their voices to the track. Also featured are Bryan Habana, Katlego Maboe, JP Duminy, Rolene Strauss and Nadia Jaftha to mention but a few!
All the celebs recorded their own audio and shot their videos from their cellphones during the lockdown.
Adams went on to say,’ “ “I wanted to remind people that whatever is going on in their lives, there is somebody out there going through the exact same scenario. We are also sometimes consumed by pride but I am saying Lean on Me, and if someone helps thy neighbour, then no one would need help. That is why I felt that this song was so important.”
Take a look right here.
