At back, from left, are Cintaine Schutte, Vicky Davis, Schalk Joubert and Jawaahier Petersen. In front are Nicole Holm, Babalwa Meintjies, Naazneen Karriem, Diana Ferrus, Buhle Nqaba, Lynelle Kenned and Luna Paige.
Artists who were affected by the cancellation of Suidoosterfees shows because of the pandemic, combined their talents in a special music video honouring South African women who inspire communities with essential services.
Actors and singers took part in the project, produced by the Suidoosterfees and Cape Town Music Academy (CTMA), with renowned poet Diana Ferrus.
Cintaine Schutte, Buhle Ngaba, Nicole Holm, Babalwa Meintjies, Luna Paige, Lynelle Kenned and Jawaahier Petersen appear in the video with two inspiring women, Naazneen Karriem and emergency unit doctor Karienya Kasvalu.
Ms Karriem has been running a soup kitchen in Chapel Street, District Six, for the past decade. She provides daily meals for destitute people from her wendy house, situated between two night shelters.
The video combines a Lucas Maree song, Die weduwee se kruik, with Diana Ferrus’ode to essentail workers who bring relief and hope to communities during the pandemic.
Vicky Davis, programme manager at CTMA, who also directed the project and video, says the work done by women such as Dr Kasvula en Ms Karriem on a daily basis, should not go unnoticed.
“This project is a celebration of women’s unmistakably essential contribution to the community. It is also a celebration of another essential component of society - the arts.
This project is a tour de force of female creativity and an example of the positivity that can arise from the 'women supporting women' theme which dominated this Women’s Month, and which is a message we would like to continue sending into springtime and the remainder of 2020.”
Schalk Joubert of Sunset Recording Studios produced the music and the video was recorded at Sunset Studios in Stellenbosch.
Search for Die Weduwee se Kruik (SOF Formidabele Vroue 2020) - Official HD on YouTube
Email Naazneen on naazneensoupkitchen@gmail.com if you would like to support her soup kitchen.