Freshlyground’s Passionately South African Video: Don’t Leave Me!

Freshlyground’s new music video showcases a kaleidoscope of South African faces and scenes (yes, there’s a braai) that will have you feeling emotional without quite knowing why.

As images are flashed on screen, they tug at the heartstrings with faces that show the struggle, the pain, the pride, the play, the passion, the love…the people. The people of South Africa.

South African expat Geraldine Maynard wrote on Freshlyground’s facebook page: “LOVE!! Made me so frikkin homesick…in a beautiful way.”

Anaiis Duk from Germany agreed, writing “I don’t know why…this almost got me tearing up! I miss SA and my peeps!”

As usual, Freshlyground have captured the essence of Southern Africa. In a message on facebook the Cape Town band wrote: “It’s finally here!!! Watch AND LIKE our new music video which accompanies the worldwide release of our new single ‘DON’T LEAVE ME” on iTunes.

“We hope you will see yourself in these images which capture fragments of life from our varied South African landscape.”

Brendan Heise, in Canada wrote “love it…watching the video did spark some tears and made me miss the beautiful people of South Africa…Looking forward to seeing you in Victoria, BC, Canada in a few weeks!!”

Freshlyground kick off a North American tour later this month.

Don’t Leave Me, which was officially released today, is the South African stars’ first new song in almost three years.

“It’s an exciting time for us,” says singer Zolani Mahola. “We’ve been working hard on new material and have several songs in the pipeline for this year. Don’t Leave Me is the first of the new tracks and was written in between international tours and having babies. Its a story of togetherness, unity and human nature…with a big sing-along chorus!”

Freshlyground, which formed in 2002, have enjoyed lots of success over the years. In 2005, their hit Doo Be Doo was the most played song on South African radio. (Watch below.)

The band’s collaboration with Columbian superstar Shakira on the 2010 FIFA World Cup Official Anthem, Waka Waka – This Time For Africa has sold over 3-million units, and they were the first South African band to win an MTV Award (in 2006).

Freshlyground has supported mega stars like (the late) BB King, Robbie Williams, Hugh Masekela, Vusi Mahlasela and Oliver Mtukudzi. They have performed alongside Stevie Wonder, Cindy Lauper and Aretha Franklin at Radio City Music Hall during the 46664 Mandela Birthday celebration in 2009. The band are the recipients of numerous awards including 7 SAMA awards, 4 Metro awards, and a Channel O award.

Watch Video: Freshly Ground – Don’t Leave Me

Watch LARGER version above.

Watch Video: Freshly Ground – Doo Be Doo

More Info

freshlyground.com