MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A Mossel Bay musician, Vernon Barnard, has written a song to give South Africans hope that they have the power to stand up against corruption and crime in South Africa.
Barnard attended the local leg of the national Move One Million rally on Saturday, 5 September, and it inspired him to write the song.
The local demonstration comprised a slow drive of motorcycles and vehicles from George to Mossel Bay and a placard demonstration at the Point in Mossel Bay. Move One Million is a watchdog and lobby group protesting against government corruption, farm murders and gender-based violence.
Barnard was so impressed with what the Move One Million organisation is trying to achieve, that he decided to write a song, encouraging people to stand up and fight injustice.
He said: "I am a member of Move One Million. I believe in its sentiments. I follow the group on social media and I think what it is doing is good. That's why I wrote the song. It is a powerful group, advocating change. I wrote the song and called it, We've got the power. If people stand together in unity, they can do anything," Barnard said.
Barnard has sent the rough version of his song to the local, Southern Cape Move One Million organisers, to show his solidarity with the group.
Lyrics
The lyrics of the chorus are: "We've got the power, we've got the people, fighting for our freedom. We're standing tall. We fight corruption, gender-based violence. We're fighting for our farmers. We're fighting for all."
Barnard recorded the song the week after the Move One Million rally from George to Mossel Bay.
He is related to Vernon Barnard junior, who came fourth in The Voice South Africa competition. Barnard senior was a lead vocalist and drummer for the group, The Silence, which was well-known in South Africa in the 70s. It won numerous battle of the bands and other competitions.
Barnard senior is a solo musician and was previously a session musician. He specialised in playing The Bee Gees tributes. He played in 36 shows at The Roxy at the Grand West Casino in Cape Town.
He has recorded 12 albums in his studio and right now, he is busy with two more albums. Barnard writes many songs for both local artists and others across the country. A recording of his We've got the power song will be available to listen to soon.
Barnard and his brother, Leon, are working together on a show to be held in Mossel Bay as soon as the lockdown is over.
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