Sing out and help make a difference

When South Africa is asked to come together for a cause, it can result in goosebump-inducing stuff, just like when 1 000 people sang their version of our wonderful national anthem to show solidarity under lockdown. 

Now, revered South African singer and entertainer Emo Adams along with renowned local artists such as Heinz Winckler, Jack Parow, Early B, Sasha-Lee Davids, Paxton Fielies, David Kramer, Alistair Izobell, Pierre from Heuwels Fantasties and Francois Van Coke are lending their voices to sing the iconic classic Bill Withers song, ‘Lean on Me’ to uplift the spirits of all South Africans during these unprecedented times. 

A total of 80 well-known SA artists, sports stars, TV presenters and celebrities including the likes of Bryan Habana, Katlego Maboe, JP Duminy, Rolene Strauss, Nadia Jaftha as well as Siv Ngesi, were all more than happy to lend their voices to this worthy cause.

Lean On Me is now available for streaming on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-693889723/lean-on-me. 

A music video has also been made of the epic song, and it can be accessed via this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/8hMcurmy0Qw

In the current global context of humanity standing together against injustice and the COVID-19 pandemic, this iconic date is even more poignant to remind us if we stand in solidarity, together we can make an impact and bring about transformation. 

Adams, who conceptualised the idea for the project and produced the song, says it was important for him to record the iconic song with a local, modern twist to ensure it touches South Africans’ hearts during this pandemic. 

“We need to keep spreading the love and also instil hope in every SA citizen right now. It is my vision to get every South African to not only download the song, but to unite and remain positive and hopeful because we all need each other during this time,” said Adams. 

The inspiring and uplifting song was also chosen as COVID-19 has challenged our resilience and highlighted the importance of mental and psychological well-being during lockdown. 

As the song’s chorus says: 

You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on

Adds Adams: “I wanted this to be the current generation’s version of the historic charity single, ‘We Are The World’, by approaching various South Africans to record a verse or two of this song. We have so much talent in our country and by uniting as artists, we are also letting the world know that we won’t let this pandemic take away our hope and livelihood too.”

Leading pharmaceutical company, Cipla South Africa, is partnering with Adams and the entertainers in an effort to help create awareness around mental health and well-being. CEO of Cipla South Africa, Paul Miller, said: “As highlighted by the World Health Organisation, taking care of one’s mental and psychological well-being during this pandemic is critical. This campaign is yet another reminder that even though we’re physically apart, we’re all in this together and need to support each other as part of ‘caring for life’.” 

  • Lean On Me will be available on Soundcloud from Monday 27 July 2020: https://soundcloud.com/user-693889723/lean-on-me
  • The song will be available for download on all leading digital platforms later this week.
  • The Lean On Me music video can be accessed here: https://youtu.be/8hMcurmy0Qw
  • Follow the conversation on social media, using these hashtags: #cvoicesunite #leanonme #caringforlife
  • Whether you are helping a friend, or need help yourself, you can always call the free Cipla SADAG 24-hour mental health helpline on 0800 456 789 or via WhatsApp on 076 882 2775 between 9am – 5pm.

LEAN ON ME LYRICS: (C-Voices Version)

Lean On Me
When You’re Not Strong
I’ll Be Your Friend
I’ll Help You Carry On
For It Won’t Be Long
Till I’m Gonna Need
Somebody To Lean On
Jack Parow  Lean On

Nkosi Sikekel’ iAfrika
Saam Mekaar Awe Hier Move Ons Hand In Hand
En Die Plan Is Om Jou Lig Te Laat Skyn
Cause United We Stand No Matter Our Skin Colour Soe..

Kom Ons Wees Die Mandelas Van Ons Land
Celebrate Inni Straat Vuvuzela Inni Hand
Maak Geraas Om Te Wys Djy’s Trots
Ons Vat ‘n World Cup Soos Niks As Ons Land By Mekaar Kom

Ytie Straat Uit Tot In Jou Kamer
Van Dorp Tot Dorp Tot Dit Eindig Oppie Plase
En Da Vanaf Ganit Verder
Sky Is The Limit Awê Os Mik Hoër As Die Berge

Soek Jy Hulp Mutie Huiwer Om Te Vra Nie
Lean On Me As Jou Bene Jou Nie Wil Dra Nie
Os Is Hier Vir Mekaar Ou Bra
Soe Sing Saam God Seën Suid-Afrika

Lean On Me
When You’re Not Strong
I’ll Be Your Friend
I’ll Help You Carry On
For It Won’t Be Long
Till I’m Gonna Need
Somebody To Lean On

Ka Setswana Gatwe
Motho Ke Motho Ka Batho
Utlwang Mafako Tlheng Batho
A Tseëng Tsia
Aroganang Tlhogo Ya Tsie
Gonne Batho Botlhe Gare Lekane Re Se Meno
Tshwaragano Tlaya Re Dire Leano

En Al Het Dit Nie Gereën Nie
Sien Nogsteeds Die Reënboog
Al Is Dit Vir Jou Moeilik
Hou Nogsteeds Jou Kop Hoog
Moenie Toelaat Dat Jou Kroon Afval Nie
Moenie Bang Wees Jy Gaan Ingee
Ek Belowe Jou Jy Sal Nie

Nee Jy Sal Nie Gazie
Glo En Vertrou Dus Ons Almal Wat Innie Bou Is
As Lewe Vir Jou Gevou’et
Hier My Skouer Hou Vas En Klou’et
Want Tawwe Battles Kom Vir Die Tuffste Soldate
Djy Moet Bond Staan
Is Early B  Lean On Me Bra Djy Moet Opstaan

Lean On Me
When You’re Not Strong
I’ll Be Your Friend
I’ll Help You Carry On
For It Won’t Be Long
Till I’m Gonna Need
Somebody To Lean On

If There Is Load You Have To Bear
That You Can’t Carry
I’m Right Up The Road
I’ll Share Your Load
If You Just Call Me

Lean On Me
When You’re Not Strong
I’ll Be Your Friend
I’ll Help You Carry On
For It Won’t Be Long
Till I’m Gonna Need
Somebody To Lean On

You Just Call On Me Brother
When You Need A Hand
We All Need Somebody To Lean On
I Just Might Have A Problem
That You’ll Understand
We All Need Somebody To Lean On

Lean On Me
When You’re Not Strong
I’ll Be Your Friend
I’ll Help You Carry On
For It Won’t Be Long
Till I’m Gonna Need
Somebody To Lean On
Lean On Me
When You’re Not Strong
I’ll Be Your Friend
I’ll Help You Carry On
For It Won’t Be Long
Till I’m Gonna Need
Somebody To Lean On

You Can Lean On Me Yes You Can



FULL LIST OF LEAN ON ME TALENTS: 
1. Katlego Maboe

2. Early B

3. Hemelbesem

4. Jack Parow

5. Yoma

6. Heinz Winckler

7. Pierre (Heuwels Fantasties)

8. Gavin Edwards

9. Jesmone Damonse

10. Nur Abrahams

11. Jarrad Ricketts

12. Cheswyn Ruiters

13. Chad Saaiman

14. Tye Platinum

15. Francois Van Coke

16. Keanu Harker

17. Neville D

18. Loukmaan Adams

19. Keeno-Lee Hector

20. Elwira Standili

21. Ilse Van Niekerk

22. JP Duminy

23. Sue Duminy

24. Dr Darren Green

25. Dean Smith

26. Christian Bennet

27. Rolene Strauss

28. Anne Hirsch

29. DJ Ready D

30. Pedro Kruger

31. David Kramer

32. Zoe Brown

33. Carl Wastie

34. Deon Meyer

35. Siv Ngesi

36. Tammy-Anne Fortuin

37. Sasha-Lee Davids

38. Megan Danner

39. Bottomless Coffee Band

40. Paxton Fielies

41. Sarah-Jane Thomas

42. Andrea Anthony

43. Andriette Norman

44. Rouchelle Liedemann

45. Tarryn Lamb

46. Leah

47. Dorette Potgieter

48. Morgan Newman

49. Ryan O’Connor

50. Cintaine Shutte

51. Armand Aucamp

52. DonnaLee Roberts

53. Ivan Botha

54. Eden Claasens

55. Tim Theron

56. Elsabe Daneel

57. Roelien Daneel

58. Lea Vivier

59. Pascual Wakefield

60. Jawaahier Petersen

61. Bryan Habana

62. Juan De Jongh

63. Vashti Prins

64. Natasha Hardcastle

65. Sheecas Closet

66. Danine Naidoo

67. Alistair Izobell

68. Shadow

69. Pret Kadet

70. Crystal-Donna Roberts

71. Marco Spaumer

72. Monique Rockman

73. Vanes-Mari Du Toit

74. Charlton Daniels

75. Nadia Jaftha

76. Irma G

77. Clint Brink

78. Rolanda Marais

79. Michelle Gildenhuys Adams

80. Emo Adams



* Written By: Bill Withers, Denton Persons, Katlego Maboe, Renier Conradie, Earl Swartz*
*Concept: Emo Adams*
*Music: Charlton Daniels*
*Mix: Johan Fourie*
*Video Edit: CJ Bezuidenhout*
*Produced By: Emo Adams*

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