OWN CORRESPONDENT
Smile is an original song written by Mi Casa and Shout co-founders Kabelo and Danny K and produced by Danny K. It features a host of top local musicians, celebrities and influencers lending their talents to the track and accompanying music video. All funds raised from the download of the new song will go towards the building of Shout libraries across the country.
In 2011 Danny K and Kabelo received the Cyril Harris Jewish Achiever Award for Shout.
Shout has, since its launch in 2007, been known for bringing South Africans together to play their part in moving the country forward. For the past eight years the organisation has been hard at work using the funds raised from its first two tracks, “Shout” and “You’re the Voice” to help fight crime, by donating to a variety of crime-focused NGOs and initiatives.
With the launch of what has been dubbed Shout 3, the focus now shifts to education.
“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,” says 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 in Soweto, Mitchells Plain and Phalaborwa. Danny K and Kabelo’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.
It is this vision, along with the legacy of Shout that has seen South Africa’s best-known personalities gather for a third time to be part of Smile. Musicians as diverse as Johnny Clegg, Cassper Nyovest and Hugh Masekela, have been joined by the likes of Derek Watts and Thuli Madonsela to create what is set to become Shout’s most successful campaign yet.
“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.
Smile is available as a full track download. SMS ‘Smile’ to 40388 to donate R20 and get the track.
* For more information, visit www.shoutsa.com or visit Shout’s social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.
