Gabrielle gets ‘Nasty’ and tackles bullying in upbeat single

IN MAY 1995, Nelson Mandela said: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”

National Child Protection Week is commemorated in South Africa annually to raise awareness of the rights of children.

As we enter Child Protection Week 2021, 14-year-old singer and songwriter Gabrielle de Gama acts as a voice for the youth and draws attention to the dangers of bullying.

A victim of bullying since she was in Grade 4, she helps others undergoing a similar experience through her new single, titled Nasty.

“I wrote this song in 2020 during the level 5 lockdown. I had been bullied through primary school and, starting high school in a new environment, I tried making new friends. The only way was online, via social media. I got added to a Whatsapp group and it soon became an attack, as someone noticed my Instagram profile. They got annoyed that I posted on my acting, modelling and singing. I have been verbally bullied by children calling me ‘ugly’ and saying things like I’m talentless,“she said.

Bullying is a big problem – with big consequences. Although bullying affects everyone, it is a particularly serious problem among adolescents. Sadly, bullies can cause lasting psychological and physical damage to other kids.

Recent research done by the 1000 Women Trust has found that 57% of children have been bullied at some time during their high-school careers.

Earlier this year, a 15-year-old pupil in Limpopo, Lufuno Mavhungu, died by suicide after allegedly overdosing on prescription pills. It was revealed through a video Mavuhungu was being bullied by classmates.

Bullying is not always physical and can also be verbal, which is what the young singer experienced.

Gabrielle said: “I was bullied because of my differences (sic). The first time I got bullied was because my hair was thicker than everyone else’s.”

In order to overcome her situation, the Reyka star spoke up and told her parents about the bully.

“I realised the bully was taking out their insecurities on me. When I understood that their words were more a reflection of their insecurities and where they are in their life, it made me more confident to be myself.”

She said Nasty is meant to empower and encourage those who listen to it, and described the sound as upbeat.

She said Child Protection Week was critical. “It creates awareness of children who need help and protection. It creates awareness for the children who need help on their rights and for others who see children that need help.”

If you are being bullied and need to talk to someone, call Childline South Africa on 0800 055 555.