Ten talented artists rise against GBV

As we near the end of Women’s Month (August), ten talented artists from across Johannesburg have collaborated on a song to leave everyone motivated and empowered.

This gender-based violence inspired song, set to be released before month end, is titled The Rise Project, and it aims to denounce the scourge of violence against women and children in our communities.

Speaking about this much-anticipated song, project manager Natalie Elias explained how this surreal project came about and what it aims to achieve. “During the course of Women?s Month, the community partnered with Community Media Development (CMD) in Westbury to stage a march in the community against gender-based violence. The day after the march the idea popped up in our minds and the concept was breathed life into. What fuelled this concept was the fact that many of us have somehow experienced GBV, plus Women’s Month is the perfect time to release such a song. To make this project a reality and special, we decided to bring all the artists on board to work together, in spite of their different genres and demographics,” Natalie explained.

These ten versatile budding stars – rappers Tasneem Fakir (Faqir_Jr); Michael Ragebull (Micrage COG); Royston Lebon (The Forgoten Don Lebon); Marian Rayners (Marion the Great); Ezekiel Naidoo and Raymond Ndanjana (R-jay); singer Giovanni van Villing (Gio); singer and vocal coach Venita Koopman (VK); singer/ rapper Jonathan Cowan (GR8 ACE); and vocalist/ rapper Eric Mokaleng – hail from Randburg, Alexandra, Roodepoort, Westbury, Newlands and Sandton.

These vigorous artists with their raw talent promise nothing but conscience lyrics, soothing melodies and hard-hitting expressions.

Two artists explained why they chose to be part of the song.

Roystan said, “I felt the need to be involved in this record because I wanted to add my voice to the numerous voices that are featured in this wonderful song regarding gender-based violence. Also, I chose this platform to stand in solidarity with our women and children to say that we are here for them through their misery, pain and hurt. I also wanted to use the platform to ensure that it provides hope for a better future and life for all.”

Tasneem said, “The reason why I got involved in this project was that gender-based violence hits home with me because I’ve experienced it. I am part of this project to portray that women are more powerful, that we do have a voice and that we can stand on our own without males. I also chose this platform to represent the LGBTQI community because of the negative stigma associated with us. People always say we are not normal, but the fact of the matter is we are normal, just like everyone else.”

This much-anticipated song is set to be released before the end of Women’s Month, and will be available on all digital platforms.

For more information, follow the social media platforms Facebook:  Community Media Dev’