Media Release: 'SAY NO' anti-drug theme song by Buhle Samuels 13 February 2024 (Issued by World Changer Candidates Media Affairs).
“When society has a common enemy to fight, it is the artist who will lead the war cry”
In the words of Nina Simone, it is the artist’s duty to reflect the times they are in through their talent. When society has a common enemy to fight, it is the artist who will lead the war cry.
Aretha Franklin galvanised the Civil Rights movement in the US with her music in the 1960s. The brave Miriam Makeba took on the evil apartheid government using her voice to sing and speak up against the oppression of the African majority in South Africa.
Buhle Samuels steps into this tradition with conviction, grace and sincerity. She has released a new single titled ‘SAY NO‘,– her call to action against drugs and substance abuse which has emerged as one of the greatest threats to the future of South Africa. As a young person of influence, Samuels, a famous television actress has taken on the role and responsibility of activism as a tireless campaigner aligned with the remarkable work of World Changers Candidates in Gauteng under their slogan of Changing the World one Soul at a Time.
On ‘SAY NO‘ Samuels lends her gentle and comforting yet powerful vocals to a call that implores the community to stand up and act against the demon of drugs eating at the fabric of society. Think about the families and friends affected by substance abuse/countries and nations destroyed by substance abuse, she sings. The refrain ‘No to drugs/just say no drugs/Substances kill the world‘ rings the alarm to young people to make better choices for themselves than a life of addiction. I love myself, I say no to drugs, Samuels makes the commitment that every young person should affirm.
Arranged and produced by the legendary Thapelo Khomo, ‘SAY NO‘ is a musically rich song that showcases varying live instrumental elements. It engages the listener as the symphony builds up to a crescendo. The delightful violin strands and marimba thrown in uplift the spirits and restore hope.
Coming from a country with a rich legacy of activism, where music was used to rally awareness and struggle against oppression for generations, ‘SAY NO‘ is a gallant war cry that echoes beyond the borders of South Africa. It is a timeous artistic intervention against a social ill that is robbing nations of the most productive section of their population. Africa has been described as a young continent at the forefront of economic activity and innovation, but the youthful energy, exuberance and ambition cannot be fully harnessed to reach the potential of the continent, unless action is taken as a matter of urgency.
‘SAY NO‘ awakens the fighting spirit of Africans and the world, to take up arms against an existential threat breaking down families and mercilessly ravaging the soul of a people.
Buhle Samuels’ SAY NO single: where to buy/download
The song, written and performed by television personality, actress and World Changer Candidates’ activist Buhle Samuels, and produced by the legendary Stimela band member Thapelo Khomo, is already making an impact on TikTok as individuals and families around the country participate in the ‘SAY NO TO DRUGS’ song challenge to implore young people to take a stand and #SAYNOTODRUGS.
A property of the World Changer Candidates, proceeds from the download and streaming of the ‘SAY NO’ will benefit the organisation’s drug relief efforts.
‘SAY NO’ is availble now for download on the major streaming platforms:
Apple: https://music.apple.com/za/album/say-no-live-single/1718868514
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1r2cIphJp3EFAX0lFDlrHw
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v749XiYLVP0?si=-hVvr5pdK-fyFZSK
ISSUED BY WORLD CHANGER CANDITATES MEDIA AFFAIRS
For enquiries and interview requests, please contact Lucas Mahlakgane at +27 83 432 5758 : lucas@awarenesscreation.co.za / Tankiso Komane at +68 532 4932: tankisok@leisurenews.co.za
