STREAM/LISTEN TO “ABAFAZI” HERE
“Wa Thinta Abafazi, Wa Thinta Imbokodo” is the unforgettable chant that filled the streets of Joburg and Pretoria over 60 years ago. “You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock” has become the phrase symbolic of women’s strength, courage and bravery, and is remembered every year on the 9th of August as South Africa celebrates Women’s Day.
Inspired by these lyrics, and spurred on by a need to create something that can live beyond a singular calendar day, African music producers TAU and Thandi Draai set out to conceive Abafazi, an Afrotech soundscape that reimagines the historic charge of women in the past into a modern song that is relevant, meaningful and influential today.
Released by 608 Experiences, Universal Music Africa and Mayonie Productions, Abafazi takes on the form of two versions. Opening with a powerful spoken word tribute by Sam Lehoko, the radio edit begins with soft, subtle cinematic violins and plays like a film score, speaking into the purpose of the song to capture a moment in time and represent the dynamism of women around the world.
“The nature of women is caring and nurturing, yet their strength is immovable,” says music producer, composer and sound engineer TAU. “We wanted this song to represent the beauty and power of women, which is why the song doesn’t have harsh sounds, but rather entwines ancient drum rhythms with futuristic electronic synthesis and evocative lyrics. Euphoric synth pads create the base layer but the song has a catchy upbeat melody.”
The club edit carries the same feeling of the radio edit but features a more upbeat rhythm and arrangement with additional sounds and finishing touches from globally recognised electronic dance musician Da Africa Deep. A suspenseful build up and drop is intentional to encourage people to head onto the dance floor and move to the chant of “Wa Thinta Abafazi, Wa Thinta Imbokodo.”
Thandi Draai, who hails from Port Shepstone in KwaZulu Natal, has walked her own journey of gracious resilience as the first woman of colour in South Africa to have released a self-made Extended Play (EP): Down On Me and Ingozi. Draai has since established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry, recognised and supported by artists such as Karyendasoul, Shimza and DJ Clock.
“When presented with the opportunity to work on this song I had to jump at it,” says Draai. “I can relate to those women of 1956 in having to find the courage to challenge the system. I am honoured to be given the chance to orchestrate such a meaningful project with fellow African artists.”
Abafazi is the second collaboration to be released by 608 Experiences, a division of Grid Worldwide that works with brands to ‘play in culture.’ Earlier this year, TAU and 608 worked with Mango Groove to reimagine the iconic Hometalk in honour of Youth Day.
“As a business that aims to ‘Make It Mean Something’, all of our work needs to be grounded in meaning and purpose,” says Adam Byars, joint CEO of Grid Worldwide/608 Experiences. Collaborating with local talent to create the Abafazi song has been incredibly exciting, as we give rise to creative expression for a cause.”
