British-Filipino songwriting duo Ooberfuse meld important thematic poignancy and breezy pop allure on the new single “We Will Overcome.” Its release today, on March 24th, coincides with International Right to Truth Day. The day of observance honors the memories of victims who have suffered from human rights violations, and pays particular tribute to the memory of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero. The central call — “stand with us, call for freedom together — we will overcome,” is reflective of the bravery of those like Romero, who bravely speak out in the face of human rights abuses.
Ooberfuse wrote the track in response to the Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID, which halted funding to many organizations that rescue, heal, and empower vulnerable children who were victims of abuse. The release was made in collaboration with People’s Recovery, Empowerment and Development Assistance Foundation (PREDA) and its founder, Father Shay Cullen, a Nobel peace prize nominee. “Now more than ever it is vital to the success of our work with exploited, trafficked and abused children to engage new supporters, partners and student interns,” Father Cullen says.
A lush, reggae-tinged pop production enamors within the serenely melodic vocals. Bolstering the approachable production is a standout guest performance from the singing children, who join during the title-touting chorus. A catching melodic shift at the two-minute turn compels, venturing thereafter into another pleasing chorus. “We Will Overcome” represents a powerful success from the duo of Hal St John and Cherrie Anderson, who elaborate more below:
Cherrie Anderson says: “Growing up in the Philippines, I know that the biggest road-block to tackling the social ill of the abuse of children, so prevalent in so many cities and towns, is a prevailing culture of silence. Like an impenetrable curtain that blocks out the sun’s rays, this silence-culture forbids a child from protesting and speaking up against betrayals that lead to violations. Music is a powerful means to end the silence and to allow the light into this darkness.”
Hal St John says: “My heart was quite literally bursting with joy when we first heard the children singing at the top of their lungs “we will overcome” by “speaking truth to power”. The children, although they arrive at PREDA broken in two by their unspeakable experiences nevertheless leave transformed after healing therapies that reassemble the broken pieces. Father Shay’s incredible work is at the very frontier of a brave new world where all traces of child abuse is erased once and for all.”
All proceeds from the project will be donated to PREDA.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
