Masekela, Kunle Ayo, Nombulelo, Simphiwe, Vilakazi Others Unite Against Xenophobia

SOUTH Africa-based artistes and other artistes from around Africa, have taken a stand against Xhenophobia. The artistes group is convened by Nigerian-born guitarist and producer, Kunle Ayo, and South African vocalist, Nombulelo Maqetuka; they recorded a song, We Are Africans, to add their voice to the #NoToXhenophobia campaign.

Other participants in the campaign song are Hugh Masekela, Mara Louw, Judith Sephuma, Sibongile Khumalo, The Soil, Swazi Dlamini, MXO, Pu2ma, Stewart Sukuma (Mozambique), Ezbie Moilwa, Simphiwe Dana, Sydney Mavundla, Wanda Baloyi, Swazi Dlamini, Nokukhanya Dlamini, Prince Lengwasa, Tsepho Mngoma, Margaret Motsage, Phinda Mtya, Bernice Boikanyo, Sakhile Nkosi, Makhush, Ernie Smith, Percy Mbonani, Gugu Shezi and Vicky Vilakazi.

Nombulelo in a statement noted that song is the artistes attempt to lend their voices to the campaign against Xhenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying that what has happened in the past few weeks in Durban and certain parts of Johannesburg is completely unacceptable as it stand against the vision of the founding fathers of the country that fought hard to achieve the democracy that South Africa enjoys today.

“As artistes, we felt it is important to come together and record a song that we hope will reach the ears of our people to stop these barbaric acts and to learn to embrace our brothers and sisters from other parts of the continent. We are all Africans and cannot allow this to continue,” she said.

According to her, the end game of the initiative is to educate Africans and indeed South Africans that there is a better way of addressing the issues as they claim without being violent and turning against each other as animals.

“African musicians are encouraging the continent to unite and for every individual in the continent to take a stand of fighting against xenophobia. Proceeds from the sale of the song will go to support victims of xenophobia,” she concluded.