- New SHOUT single, ‘Smile’, to make its debut on 1 September 2015
- Win a car by downloading the new SHOUT single
(JOHANNESBURG) September 1, 2015 – KIA Motors South Africa this week announced its renewed sponsorship and support of The SHOUT Foundation, the well-known non-profit organisation founded by musicians Danny K and Kabelo Mabalane to give the South African nation a voice against the fight against crime. KIA Motors South Africa has been a sponsor and supporter of the initiative since inception.
Something to SHOUT about
Sparked by the senseless murder of Lucky Dube in 2007, a personal hero for both Danny K and Kabelo, the duo was driven to do something that could have a positive influence on South Africa. The SHOUT Foundation was born from this passion for positive change, and was established to raise money for crime prevention workshops and the rehabilitation of offenders.
Putting their own talent and resources to use, Danny K and Kabelo, both KIA brand ambassadors, assembled an unprecendented line-up of South African artists and celebrities to join forces for the cause. The result was a new version of the Tears for Fears classic, ‘Shout’, all proceeds of which went towards the initiative. The song made history in the South African music industry and won the South African Music Award for Full Track Download of the Year in 2011.
History repeated in 2012 when, backed by the momentum the SHOUT initiative has gathered, a second SHOUT song – this time a new version of the John Farnham anthem, ‘You’re the Voice’ – was recorded and released, breaking the download record of ‘Shout’ to again win the South African Music Award for Full Track Download of the Year in 2013. Proceeds from both songs were used to help fight crime through donations to a variety of crime-focused NGOs and initiatives.
SMILE for SHOUT: A shift to education
Fast forward to 2015, and The SHOUT Foundation is changing tack. The new SHOUT single was officially launched today, following a media launch on August 27th, and is set to break even more records in the process. Written by Mi Casa’s J Something, Kabelo Mabalane and Danny K, who also produced the track, it again features a host of top local musicians, celebrities and influencers, including Johnny Clegg, Cassper Nyovest, Hugh Masekela, The Soil, and cameo appearances in the video by influencers such as Derek Watts and Thuli Madonsela.
But, with the launch of what has been dubbed SHOUT 3, the organisation’s focus now shifts to education, with all funds raised from the download of the new song going towards the building of SHOUT libraries across the country. As Kabelo Mabalane puts it: educate to eradicate the need to incarcerate.
“By reaching young kids and encouraging them to work hard at getting an education, they will be better equipped to live a successful and crime-free life,” continues Danny K. “This is why we have decided to use the funds raised from downloads of ‘Smile’ to build libraries in primary schools across South Africa.”
The roll-out of the SHOUT libraries has already begun, with three having been built Soweto, Mitchells Plain and Phalaborwa. The SHOUT Foundation’s aim is to reach the most needy schools and communities and to ensure that the libraries are not only built, but also managed and stocked properly, with the children being taught the skills to use them appropriately.
“Our legacy of making a real difference in several different initiatives over the years speaks to our sustainability as an NPO and our commitment to fighting against violence and crime,” says Kabelo. “As we begin the next chapter, we are confident that we will continue to make a real difference and make South Africa SMILE.”
Something to SMILE about
As part of its support of The SHOUT Foundation, KIA Motors is sponsoring a brand new KIA Picanto worth R120 000, which one lucky person who downloads the new SHOUT track can win – just because they downloaded the song.
“KIA Motors is totally committed to the upliftment of South Africans of all races, genders and religions, and it gives us great pleasure to be able to be part of the SHOUT initiative,” says Ray Levin, CEO of KIA Motors South Africa. “We look forward to a prosperous South African nation that helps to build the society through integrity, educational and social upliftment and ultimately, a better life for all.”