WATCH: Lean on us
VISION: Early B and Emo Adams among 80 celebs who performed a remake of Lean On Me
The special music project was produced by Emo Adams, and went viral when it was launched on YouTube on Monday, where it has been viewed over 8000 times by yesterday.
Emo bought the rights to remake the iconic Bill Withers song Lean on Me in an effort to uplift people’s spirits in the pandemic.
He roped in fellow artists such as Heinz Winckler, Jack Parow, Early B, Paxton Fielies, David Kramer and Alistair Izobell, who lent their voices to the song.
Other sports stars, TV presenters and celebrities on the video include the likes of Bryan Habana and Nadia Jaftha.
Emo says he wanted to record the classic song with a local and modern twist to ensure it touches South Africans’ hearts.
The song was recorded in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa, with some rap bars from rapper Early B.
“We need to keep spreading the love and also instil hope in every SA citizen right now,” the singer says.
“It is my vision to get every South African to not only download the song, but to unite and remain positive and hopeful because we all need each other in times like these.”
He adds: “I wanted this to be the current generation’s version of the historic charity single, We Are The World, by approaching various South Africans to record a verse or two of this song.
“We have so much talent in our country and by standing together and uniting as artists, we are also letting the world know that we won’t let this pandemic take away our hope and livelihood too.”
Pharmaceutical company, Cipla South Africa, is partnering with Emo in an effort to create awareness around mental health.
CEO of Cipla South Africa, Paul Miller, said: “As highlighted by the World Health Organisation, taking care of one’s mental and psychological well-being during this pandemic is critical.
“This campaign is yet another reminder that even though we’re physically apart, we’re all in this together and need to support each other as part of ‘caring for life’.”
Lean On Me is now available for streaming on Soundcloud.
Here are the lyrics.
When you’re not strong
I'll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Ka setswana gatwe
Motho ke motho ka batho
Utlwang mafako tlheng batho
A tseëng tsia
Aroganang tlhogo ya tsie
Gonne batho botlhe gare lekane re se meno
Tshwaragano tlaya re dire leano
En al het dit nie gereën nie
Sien nogsteeds die reënboog
Al is dit vir jou moeilik
Hou nogsteeds jou kop hoog
Moenie toelaat dat jou kroon afval nie
Moenie bang wees. Jy gaan ingee
Ek belowe jou, jy sal nie
Nee jy sal nie gazie
Glo en vertrou dus ons almal wat innie bou is
As lewe vir jou gevouet
Hier my skouer. Hou vas en klouet
Want tawwe battles kom vir die tuffste soldate
Djy moet bond staan
Is Early B Lean on me bra, djy moet opstaan
Lean on me
Repeat Chorus