HIKWA pioneer Sunny Boy has joined the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
His new song, ‘Stop the Violence’, aims to crusade against the senseless violence inflicted on women in Namibia.
Sunny Boy (37) teamed up with Staxx Major for the production of the song, and says he wrote the lyrics and melody himself.
“I was sitting at home with my friends discussing life in general, and the topic of the late Shannon [Wasserfall] came up. We were all in agreement that GBV has gotten rife in Namibia. It has now almost become like a fashion trend and the fact that it happens and just evaporates like water on cement,” he says.
The artist’s first project, which was also aimed at violence, was titled ‘Enough is Enough’. It featured Sally Boss Madam and was produced by Arrafath and DJ KBoz.
The rapper from Ongwediva feels much is still to be done to address the problem.
“There are organisations out there, but I honestly don’t feel their presence in this matter. Some people feel good carrying the title and being associated with the first lady, but they are not utilising the power of the title for the betterment of those who need help the most. I felt the magnitude of influence I have on the nation could spark a movement if I speak up.
“Some people want to speak on matters such as these, but the mere fact that no one wants to back them discourages them – especially the ones who are victimised,” Sunny Boy says.
The award-winning star says ‘Stop the violence’ was a way for him to get what he had to say about GBV off his chest and share it. “I know many people can relate to the song and feel the same way I do,” he says.
In Sunny Boy’s previous song he blamed the nation for violence, while in ‘Stop the Violence’ he tells the story of yet another killing the nation did nothing about. The new song focuses more on the sad reality of what is actually happening and on solutions, he says.
The ‘Heat It Up’ hitmaker says he was emotional while working on the song. “With this song my emotions were all over the place. Yes, we scream and yell as we march, but I just feel it’s not enough. Because after the screaming, after the funeral, we all go back to our lives and life goes on. Do we ever consider the ones affected and how their lives have changed after what has happened? They seek answers and justice that never come. People often don’t see this as a big deal until it happens to someone they love and care for,” he says.
The artist, who rose to fame after collaborating with Gazza on his song ‘Koko’ in 2004, says the song is not only aimed at bringing change, but also at giving victims and those affected hope.
“There is nothing better than knowing you are contributing to positive change in your community. If I can just get one victim to tell me my song has changed her life, that it gave her the confidence to get out of a violent relationship or has somehow helped her to come forward and speak out, then I would know I’m doing something right. That is why this song is special. I pray it has an impact,” he says.
Sunny Boy, who is known for his socially conscious lyrics and great storytelling abilities, says men have to lead by example. He says boys must be taught how to behave towards women from a young age.
“Education begins at a tender age. Instil it in the minds of young boys that it is wrong to do anything that goes against a woman’s well-being. If we do that now, we will have a generation of respectful young men tomorrow. Also, let us build our women and not destroy them,” he says.
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