Morake’s mission to unify through song

NINETEEN-year-old Afrikaans singer Refentse Morake was born after the demise of apartheid and, now, in an effort to unite the nation, his music seeks to break racial boundaries.

Morake first burst into the public spotlight in 2015 when a neighbour in Vereeniging shared a video on social media of him singing an Afrikaans song.

Since then‚ Morake has gone from being a viral sensation to an established Afrikaans musician.

He has shared the stage with many of South Africa’s most popular Afrikaans artists‚ including Karen Zoid and Steve Hofmeyr.

He said his love for Afrikaans music grew from hearing the language in school.

“I went to an Afrikaans school so I was always exposed to Afrikaans music.

“I liked it and so decided to sing along‚ and eventually I started to learn how to perform Afrikaans songs on my guitar‚” Morake said.

Morake’s parents did not speak Afr but sensing the joy the genre brought their son‚ they started buying him Afrikaans albums to listen to and practice with.

“They didn’t understand a single thing but they supported me.

“They still come to most of my shows. I’m not sure they understand all of it‚ but they do understand joked Morake.

Morake admitted he often had quizzical looks in his direction, when performing but is happy that he had turned his passion for Afrikaans music into a career.

“I have often felt judged but I put myself in that position when I decided to sing Afrikaans music.

“I don’t regret a single welcome it‚” Morake said.

He believes more South Africans should “break out of their comfort zone and challenge stereotypes”.

“We have so many problems in South Africa and so many things that have the potential to divide us. I believe that the one thing that can unite us is music.

“It’s the one thing that can heal our wounds. No matter our race or gender‚ we can all unite behind music‚” Morake said. It’s a typical response from a young man who wanted to one day grow up to be the president of South Africa.

“I think I was more attracted to the opportunity . . . it would have given me an opportunity to make a difference in other people’s lives. I wanted to make a difference and for 10-year-old me that meant becoming president.

“My dream changed when I was discovered. Now I try and make a difference through music‚” Morake said. — TMG a lot more now‚” thing and

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