As Kenyan’s marked the second anniversary of the Garissa University attack this week, a powerful message of condolence, hope and solidarity came from South Africa in the form of new homage-song releases. Two South African choirs have taken part in a tribute project, Musica for Africa, which remembers the victims of the terror attack that happened two years ago.
Wits University Choir and Soweto Gospel Choir were part of an ensemble of African, Italian and American musicians who worked on three songs that were released online on 31 March in homage to those affected by the fateful attack of April 2, 2015, which claimed 148 lives and left 79 injured.
Where Will it End tells the story of the tragedy. It features South African reggae artists Mermans Mosengo, of the international group Playing for Change and Thuthukani Cele, former keyboard player for Lucky Dube. In the background is a chorus by the formidable Wits University Choir from Johannesburg, which sings in English and Zulu. The reenactment video for Where Will it End was filmed in the USA and in South Africa.
Because You Are There is a powerful spiritual sung by an ensemble of talented South African singers and the world-renowned Soweto Gospel Choir. They include accomplished artists like Faith Kekana who has collaborated with Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela; Mandisa Dlanga; Bo Denim, who sings with the group, Denim; Denise Mothiba; Tracey-lee Oliver and Edith Mudau Masakona, a world-travelled member of the cast of the musical, The Lion King.
The song follows the form of classic spirituals, starting with simple solo lead and escalating into a triumphant chorus.
As a bonus, a second version of ‘Where Will it End’, sung by acclaimed New York City soul artist, Clayton Bryant features the Soweto Gospel Choir. Bryant has collaborated with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.
The songs, whose lyrics are written by lyricist Nikki Turner, touch on important themes, such as freedom of religion, poverty, hope and togetherness. The Islamist extremist group al-Shabaab took responsibility for the attack that led to the closure of the university.
Musica For Africa is the brainchild of Mariano Schiavolini, composer, music producer and member of the 1970s progressive rock group, Celeste. His music tackles grand and often humanitarian themes. The project is supposed to produce a unique blend of genres from across the globe. The talented South African artists lent their own humanitarian sensibilities and their passion for music to the cause.
