Pushing for Africa’s dream
AS WE celebrate Heritage Month, the iconic singer Vicky Sampson, reflected on how her popular hit, united a nation and still touches people’s lives.
Sampson, who grew up in District Six and later in Hanover Park on the Cape Flats, said she is proud of where she comes from.
“And this is precisely why heritage is so important to me. It is who we are. As a musician, I am still amazed to see how my music touches people’s lives, especially
It was one of my proudest moments when I sang in front of Nelson Mandela in 1995. And 22 years after it was written, it still resonates with people. I love it, because it was written at the start of our democracy and is still relevant at a time when we need unity more than ever. I am also taking the song to the African continent, because it shows how music can unite a nation. I am soon leaving for Botswana, where I will be performing it,” she said.
“One of the things that apartheid managed to do, was to divide us. That is why, as a racially diverse country, we are fearful, because we do not know each other. The time has come that we should see each other as brothers and sisters. My 16-yearold daughter grew up during a different time and she does not see colour. Hopefully in years to come, all of us won’t see colour anymore.”
Sampson further explained she recently embarked on a journey to find out more about the indigenous people of South Africa.
“I am talking about the Khoisan and Griekwa people. They are people whom you hardly hear about. This is why many of us are not in touch with our heritage because we do not know our roots. It is up to us to create a better future for our children,” she said.
She is currently also more involved in community work.
“I am working with young people because I want to inspire young women from disadvantaged communities. I want to show them that they can become a singer like me. Our young people need positive role models,” Sampson said.