The song and project is incredibly dear to the Drakensberg Boys Choir as it brings to light an issue that impacts our youth greatly. If something doesn’t get done to protect our wildlife species, then future generations will not get to enjoy them.
South Africa (30 January 2023) – In a recent inter-continental collaboration between the renowned South African Drakensberg Boys Choir; non-profit supporter of artists and caritative projects Voice, Art and Social; Luxembourgian singer George Philippart; and South African endangered and priority species protection organisation Wildlife ACT, an inspiring musical piece has been created to raise awareness for vulture conservation.
Entitled ‘We Are One’, a song from Walt Disney’s ‘The Lion King’, was chosen in appreciation of united cultures and communities passionate about conservation. Spearheaded by Brigitta Best of Voice, Art and Social; this song has been produced in support of Wildlife ACT’s vulture conservation program, aiming to raise awareness and encourage funding towards the conservation of this often overlooked species.
“We came to the conclusion that it would be wonderful to produce a song together with an African choir in order to bring African culture closer to our compatriots and to draw attention to the need to preserve animal and species diversity. Music as a bridge between cultures thousands of kilometres away sends a clear message: our hearts beat to the same rhythm.” – Brigitta Best, Voice, Art and Social.
The importance of conserving vultures
Due to their wide-ranging habits, vultures in South Africa are experiencing a variety of threats leading to concerning population declines. Wildlife ACT – a team of experienced conservationists performing critical on-the-ground work for endangered species conservation – actively supports vulture conservation strategies by providing reliable technical support, advice and expertise. Additionally, Wildlife ACT’s Emergency Response Team works towards reducing Vulture mortalities due to poisoning through the increased effectiveness of identifying and responding swiftly to poison events, and other threats.
“Vultures provide vital ecosystem services in our natural, agricultural, and rural environments. The important role they play in the cycling of nutrients through the highly-efficient disposal of organic waste from the environment is of utmost importance to human health and environmental integrity.” Wildlife ACT’s Vulture Conservation Programme Manager, Anel Olivier.
The extinction of our vultures would result in dire ecological, economic and human costs. If unchecked, diseases such as rabies, anthrax and the plague would run rampant.
“It is unfortunate that most people underestimate the role vultures play and how devastating it would be to us if they were to be permanently removed from the environment. We hope that this inspiring piece will help to bring awareness to this endangered species’s plight.” – Chris Kelly, Co-Founder & Director of Wildlife ACT.
United in a common cause
It was encouraging when singer George Philippart of The Voice Germany fame, and local KwaZulu-Natal powerhouse The Drakensberg Boys Choir enthusiastically raised their hands for a vocal collaboration. Inspired to use their talents to raise awareness for a cause close to their hearts, a phenomenal and emotive harmony was born.
“It was an honour to sing together with the Drakensberg Boys Choir. I would never have thought of this collaboration, but music makes so much possible. Music is in nature. You just have to listen. And Wildlife ACT provides for a wonderful harmony.” – George Philippart.
Recorded in the last phase of 2022, the track is now available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes. The full video can be viewed on the Drakensberg Boys Choir School’s YouTube channel. The partners involved in this project hope that viewers will take the time to enjoy this musical piece, made for such a worthy cause.
“The song and project is incredibly dear to the Drakensberg Boys Choir as it brings to light an issue that impacts our youth greatly. If something doesn’t get done to protect our wildlife species, then future generations will not get to enjoy them. What a privilege to be involved with an organisation that is doing such wonderful work preserving and protecting our wildlife.” – The Drakensberg Boys Choir.
Watch the video below”
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