The Song That Speaks to Healing

Earlier this year, Sandton City shoppers were invited to share heartfelt voice notes of encouragement, things that they would like to say to people who are struggling. A selection of these messages, drawn from hundreds of submissions, have now been woven into a powerful original song, also titled Words That Heal, featuring the voice of Riky Rick. The hip hop song celebrates resilience and reminds listeners that no one is alone in their journey.

Now available online and on YouTube, the track reflects the campaign’s core message: that words have the power to connect, comfort, and inspire. Every person can play a part in turning awareness into action, making mental health a national conversation that continues beyond the month of October. Listen to the song below:

Experience the Movement at Sandton City

From now until Sunday 9 November, shoppers can step into the Words That Heal experiential pop-up activation, situated on the upper level next to BOSS in Sandton City. Designed in collaboration with acclaimed artist Samurai Farai, the space showcases limited-edition T-shirts, hoodies, and scarves inspired by “artivism,” the meeting point of creativity and activism that Riky Rick championed.

All proceeds from these merchandise sales will go directly to the Riky Rick Foundation, which supports youth mental well-being and creates platforms for creative expression as a form of healing. Visitors can also pledge their support online at www.rikyrickfoundation.co.za/pledges to contribute to mental health initiatives across the country.

Every day, South Africa loses an estimated 23 people to suicide, with hundreds more attempting to take their lives. Through this initiative, Sandton City aims to continue to provide hope, raise awareness and champion meaningful conversations around mental health.

Shoppers are encouraged to keep raising their voices for those facing mental health challenges. The WhatsApp line 063 980 5816 is still open. Remember, one kind message can help save a life.

The Grand Finale, which took place at at Kwa Ace in Khayelitsha, Cape Town saw Jozi’s Dennis Masilo, AKA Prxfnd, be crowned as Mzansi’s hottest up-and-coming producer after an exceptional performance and of course, we were to capture some of the moments.

This history in the making result comes just three months after premium cognac brand Rémy Martin announced their partnership with award winning music star Riky Rick to search for South Africa’s next big beat maker.

Prxfnd was up against three other finalists on Friday night, and judges Riky Rick and Master A Flat did not make it easy. The pressure was on from the start as contestants played multiple beats during four rounds, in front of an energetic live audience. Things really heated up in the final round as Prxfnd and runner-up Sptmbr Yngstr battled it out for the winner’s title. But it was Prxfund who pulled out all the stops, bringing a diverse mix of genres to the stage and demonstrating discernible music talent, which saw him secure the number one spot.

As the winner of Rémy Producers South Africa season one, Prxfnd walked away with a brand new Apple MacBook Air and the once in a lifetime and career making chance to collaborate on a track with Riky Rick. Both Prxfnd and Riky will be heading to the studio shortly to record and more details on the track’s commercial release will be released soon.

According to Bakani Ntaisi, Marketing Manager at Unilever, the #StartStrong campaign pays homage to the quintessential modern South African man on the path to greatness: hardworking, well-groomed, career-driven and focused, He’s driven by passion and underpinned by traditions. He is motivated to succeed – to write his own story. 

The brand has partnered with music superstar Riky Rick and cricket hero Kagiso Rabada for the #StartStrong campaign to exemplify the Vaseline man who is on his path to success.

At the campaign launch event in Johannesburg, guests explored two experiential zones that depicted the daily preparation rituals of Riky Rick and Kagiso Rabada that help them start strong every day. In addition to this, Thulani Ndlovu, well-respected South African life coach, spoke about the value of ritual and attention to detail as key aspects in helping men achieve their goals.

The #StartStrong campaign includes a range of influential South African men, including artists, stylists, writers, entrepreneurs and professionals. The campaign will be rolling out on television and digital platforms throughout 2017. Join the conversation about the modern South African man and what he does to start strong by using the hashtag #StartStrong on Twitter and Instagram.