American activist partners with African musicians on mental health campaign

The song, released in benefit of US advocacy group the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), features appearances from Afropop, K-Pop and Bollywood musicians and celebrities, including notable African artists like Nigeria’s Reekado Banks and Sound Sultan as well as Ghana’s Okyeame Kwame and Kwaw Kese.

NAMI, which was founded by Harriet Shetler and Beverly Young in 1979, is the largest American grassroots mental health organisation dedicated to people affected by mental illness.

O’Connor said the song, which derives its name from NAMI’s motto, was inspired by her own experiences with high school bullying and people’s battle with issues like isolation.

“It is very important that we instil this message of ‘You Are Not Alone’ because a lot of people may be feeling otherwise isolated,” she said. “And that is something I am very passionate and excited about with this project.”

Reekado Banks said: “My voice could be used for so many other things, and that includes informing people about real-life situations like we’re doing on this project, which is talking about mental awareness. It’s just really exciting how much my voice can do, and I’m really happy to be a part of it.”

The premiere of ‘You Are Not Alone’ has been scheduled for 10pm CAT. It will be accompanied by a fundraiser with a target of $5 000 to support the cause.