Staying at home is more difficult than we first imagined. As South Africans follow a strict lockdown, streets once flooded with life are now barren, balloon-filled birthdays are celebrated over video calls, and emojis have replaced kisses on the cheek before bedtime. Disconnected from loved ones, many people risk stumbling into the darkness of depression and despair. But musician Martinique du Toit is singing notes of strength to guide us.
Du Toit, who performs under the name Matinino, was playing the piano before she could read. By the age of 10, she was writing her own music. Experimenting with genres, Du Toit marries pop, dark wave, jazz, indie folk, electronic, and contemporary to create her own distinctive style. She’s established herself firmly as a musician, oscillating between crowds on the baked soil of Afrikaburn and the hilltops of Holland. But for Du Toit, music is not just entertainment, but an instrument of healing. “When I started composing, it was a form of medicine for myself,” she says. Using her voice, Du Toit tackles global issues from gender-based violence to the current coronavirus pandemic. When President Cyril Ramaphosa enforced a national lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19, Du Toit observed people’s grief and was inspired to write the song 21 Days. “I wanted to tell people that by sitting at home, you are a warrior,” she says.
Shortly after releasing the track, people from around the country responded to her message to remain safe in their homes by filming their own experiences in shutdown. Cinematographer Barrett De Kock compiled the footage of 30 contributors into a music video showcasing South Africa’s resilient spirit during unprecedented times. Despite distance and differences, Du Toit’s music has united us. And together, we have the strength to overcome anything.
With thanks to the following people for their contribution: Alan Shelley, Alasdair McCulloch, Alto De Kock, Angus Innes, Charlie Shoemaker, David Franciscus, Declan Manca, Elelwani Neshifhire, Frankie Stromberg, Gabriella Pinto, Hisham Samie, Jasyn Howes, Leon Visser, Matthew Griffiths, Monde Kawana, Morné Marais, Nina McCarthy, Pierre De Villiers, Rafeeqah Galant, Reezo Hassan, Réniell Matthysen, Roice Nel, Simon Antonelli, Siv Ngesi, S.w. Strauss, Tammy Shuttleworth, Warrick Le Sueur, Yash Lucid, Zayne Botha, and We Fight Back.
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