MEC records song to fight xenophobia

Local musicians were joined in a studio by MEC Pemmy Majodina to record an anti-xenophobia song.

The song, titled Africa, We’re Family , has been produced by award-winning producer Vaughan Fourie of the popular East London-based gospel band Chosen.

It was recorded at the Eastern Cape Audio Visual Centre (ECAVC) with the aim to raise funds and awareness.

Majodina, affectionately known as DJ Pemmza, said they decided to record the song in partnership with ECAVC and the University of Fort Hare because music was the most powerful medium to unite people.

“We believe the song will become the voice of our people, and yield the desired results of peace, love, harmony and unity among all Africans,” she said.

The song calls upon all South Africans to put an end to the ongoing attacks on foreign nationals and highlight the plight of the victims.

“We hope it will not be a drop in the ocean, but rather a heavy storm that will permanently eradicate xenophobia roots, so never again shall we shame our beloved country South Africa, by killing our own brothers and sisters. Instead we must protect them, because we are one,” Majodina said.

Fourie said he and fellow band member Diego Shelton worked together on making the track a reality.

“We came up with a song, Diego worked on the drum programming and I did the melodies. Every artists had a part in it, from the hook to the different verses,” he said.

Fourie said he hoped the song would change hearts and inspire change in communities.