Despatch residents Bulelani Jada and Siphosihle Nseta recently released their gospel song titled Bawelile which they have dubbed a Covid-19 anthem aimed at sharing a message of comfort, joy and happiness in the wake of the second wave.
Jada, also known as King Jade, said they collaborated with DJ’s Nande and Nwaiiza for the release on Umhlobo Wenene FM just before Christmas.
“It is a church song that on one hand focuses on those that have passed on, and on the other it is a comforting song to those people who are left behind.
“It is sending a message that we are lucky to be alive, and we have to give thanks to God for his grace.”
In the song Jada, who also works part-time as an announcer at sporting events, is heard preaching while his fiancé Nseta, also known as Baby Joe, is singing the chorus.
He said Bawelile in IsiXhosa means that the people have transitioned from life to death, meaning their journey on earth is completed and they are now united with God
“[In the song] we say enough is enough. We do agree that we made mistakes but we ask that God forgive us and intervene in this situation,” Jada said
The duo has not escaped the virus either.
Both tested positive for Covid-19 last year. Jada was admitted to Cuyler Hospital in Uitenhage while Nseta isolated at home.
Nseta said they worked hard to have the song released before Christmas.
“When we saw the rise in deaths due to Covid in 2020 we wanted the song to be a comfort to those who would have to endure empty places at the Christmas lunch table.
“Then there were those that had to enter the new year without their loved ones.
“This song is also to encourage them not to lose hope. He is still our God. We will overcome this.”
Jada said though the lockdown and cancelled gigs had an impact on them as artists, they continued to work virtually and released four other songs — Dadobawo, Ngcwele Ngcwele, Confident and Relevant Sdudla — last year.
“As much as it was difficult to get gigs, it gave us the opportunity to create more music and to explore new ways to get our music to our fans.”
They hope to get the provincial department of health on board as a partner for the song’s official music video production.
“We are not making money from this song. We cannot charge for a song that is meant to give hope,” Jada said.
The duo plans on releasing a full album next month.
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