To commemorate World Rhino Day, observed annually on 22 September, the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), Save the Rhino Trust and Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation on Friday launched two rhino-themed music videos.
The videos feature renowned bands Piri Gure and Bullet Ya Kaoko from the northwest of Namibia, home to the world’s largest free-roaming rhino population.
NNF senior project coordinator Clemens Naomab said the inspiration behind the rhino-themed songs and the broader Rhino Pride campaign is rooted in the collective efforts of communities and partner non-governmental organisations in the Kunene region.
He said the primary goal of the initiative is to raise awareness within the local community about the critical rhino conservation crisis and the pressing need for action.
The campaign was born out of a deep concern for the future of rhinos in the region, says Naomab.
“It seeks to emphasise the severity and urgency of the poaching crisis while highlighting the potential devastating loss that would occur if rhinos were to become extinct.
“Rhinos are not only iconic and magnificent creatures but also play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats,” he says.
Piri Gure and Bullet Ya Kaoko have been collaborating with the Rhino Pride campaign project for over five years.
“Their dedication and talent have been instrumental in raising awareness about rhino conservation in Namibia,” says Naomab, adding that the songs they have created are not only engaging and memorable but also serve as powerful tools to convey the importance of protecting rhinos to a broader audience.
“The partnership with Piri Gure, Bullet Ya Kaoko, and other artists like Tulisan and Adora, just to mention a few, is testament to their commitment to the cause and their ability to use their artistic talents to further the mission of rhino conservation.”
Naomab says catchy songs and compelling music videos are powerful tools that are expected to resonate with a wide audience, making them valuable assets in the ongoing efforts to save rhinos for future generations.
“The campaign eagerly anticipates the public’s response to these creative works and hopes they will contribute to a heightened sense of urgency and commitment to protecting rhinos.”
The two rhino-themed music videos were filmed in three conservancies: Anabeb, Sesfontein and Torra – locations chosen for specific reasons related to the conservation of rhinos.
“Filming the music videos in these conservancies makes sense because it not only showcases the natural habitat of rhinos but also aligns with the conservation efforts in these areas, promotes community engagement and symbolises a commitment to protecting rhinos for the future,” says Naomab.
The Rhino Pride campaign is likely a key player in these initiatives, and releasing the videos on World Rhino Day is a strategic choice to raise awareness and support for rhino conservation, he says.
The video, ‘Save the Rhino’ by Piri Gure, captures the essence of the rhino’s plight and the urgent need for conservation.
The song was composed by George Coster Garab and Frekky Desmond Naweseb of the Piri Gure band and produced by Godhard #Khitago! Nowaseb.
“The idea was to create awareness about conservatism. We wanted to spread the message through music,” says Garab.
“We composed the song, reached out to sponsors and were called by the Rhino Trust for interviews, and to join hands to promote the awareness programme on saving rhinos,” says Garab.
With their input, they managed to shoot a video, with the aim of making the programme an annual one.
“The song is aimed at educating the global community on how to protect our natural resources. And to value the importance in the circle of life.”
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