They were told that to write and produce a song, shoot a professional music video, with no budget in just three and a half weeks was impossible. This team of music professionals proved the naysayers wrong, though, and the result is an incredible song that inspires listeners to Save Soil. We chatted to Casey B Dolan and her son Quinley about the experience.
How did this project come about?
The Save Soil movement is a worldwide endeavour to bring awareness to the plight of the world’s soil. We have just 40-60 years of productive soil left on earth, but the great news is that the problem can be solved if we simply return 3% of organic matter (plant and animal based) back into the soil. The aim is to reach 3,5 billion people and partner with policy makers across the globe to shift the way to we handle soil. When Quin heard that Sadhguru was travelling across Europe by motorcycle through 26 countries, covering 30 000 km in just 100 days to bring awareness, he wanted to do whatever he could to help. We decided to use his talents and reach across the globe with music to amplify the message and create a fundraiser to help grow 10 000 trees.
What was the experience like?
Quinley had some compositions he was simply enjoying playing, so we looked at the most exciting piece that could be an anthem. Casey wrote lyrics that aligned with the cause and invited Morgan Visser, the teenage singing sensation who lives in our estate, to help create the demo. Leah Clarke, another brilliant young singer and musician, agreed to help record the piece. From there, Casey contacted Zolani, known now as ‘The One Who Sings’. After hearing the demo and more about the movement, she fell in love with the song and agreed to come aboard pro bono. Two-time Grammy award-winning producer Robin Hogarth agreed to assist with production and arrangement along with Theo Crous of Springbok Nude Girls, while Ross Rowley lent his brilliance and added to the arrangement. Five studios came on board to help Quin’s vision become a reality. International director Amanda Evans directed AFDA alumni students and professional cinematographer Falk Eggart to create a beautiful, poignant video. Only the Khayelitsha Children’s Choir were paid for their input. They were so excited, dedicated and disciplined – after a long day at school they travelled in the evening to record and worked for hours without a single complaint, only smiles and willingness. And all this was done from inception to completion in 3.5 weeks!
Why such a tight deadline?
We got it done quickly so that we could get the song onto a livestream called Mahashivaratri, where the Save Soil movement was launched during a cultural and music festival that has a combined viewership of potentially more than 120 million viewers. More than the Grammys! The song will be played out in prime time at the event to showcase not only our talent but the message of the youth of Africa to the world, that we as a generation of people need to bring back living soil.
Was there a highlight for you along the way?
QUINLEY: Hearing Zolani, The One Who Sings, sing the song for the first time was amazing – she is just awesome! And then seeing the music video Amanda and the camera team made without any money is really cool. I have watched it over and over.
What do you hope people feel when they listen to this song?
QUINLEY: I hope they become inspired to do something to help Save Soil. We don’t have 100 – 150 years to fix the soil which is what we will need if we don’t do something about it now. 45% of Africa is desert, we need to fix that so that my generation can live well and be happy.
Get Connected
Any money made from the song will be used to Save Soil. Quinley has also created a fundraiser to plant
10 000 trees, at just R10 a tree.
ishaoutreach.org/en/cauvery-calling/campaigns/sos-save-soil-quinley-wild
