Cape Town artists have come together for a song about the global pandemic which the creator hopes will reach the iconic heights of Vicky Sampson’s African Dream.
Written and composed by Muizenberg artist Saalim Ismail, We Are Survivors is an anthem that speaks of hope and standing together through the trying times the pandemic brought.
Saalim tells the Daily Voice that he yearned to do something fresh and modern to build on the legacy of African Dream.
“It’s been a while since South Africa has produced a potentially iconic song like African Dream by Vicky Sampson and World in Union by PJ Powers,” he says.
“Now in the year 2020, an opportunity has presented itself for a new We Are The World, and it’s called We Are Survivors (Singabasindileyo).
The track features Vicky Sampson herself, as well as Saalim, Jéan Citto, Andréas Tabumuntu, Xola Toto, Zoe Zana, Celest Florence, Julian Hurley, Cheswyn Ray, Miché Beneke, Ameer Hendricks and Micaela Kleinsmith.
The music video features Siv Ngesi and chef Jenny Morris; as well as disabled and deaf people, and to date has over 12 500 views on YouTube.
Saalim says the singers all volunteered their time and talent.
“Being artists and having all our events cancelled, some that were booked right up until December, did not stop the group from being a beacon of hope, as communities had to grapple with the negative effects of the lockdown.
“It also speaks to the fact that we can rise above our challenges if we stand together.
“As the lyrics say: do not lose hope, do not lose faith, if we stand together, we can be triumphant as fighters and survivors,” Saalim says.