WATCH: Bringing ‘change’ through music
Hodnett said the group was formed in March 1998, and that they have since released 10 songs.
LOCAL music group, Living In Validity is hoping to inspire people to find their voices and create a better society through their latest song, Change. The group consists of members, Llewellyn Hodnett, 39, Clint Johns, 42 and Anton Fynn, 41, who hail from different areas in Durban including Wentworth. Another founding member, Shaun Davids, is currently not active in the group due to illness.
Talking about their latest song, Hodnett, said they were overwhelmed with the response from the public. The song was officially released in December last year, and the music video premiered on YouTube recently.
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“Within 24 hours the music video had reached over 1 000 views, as well as garnered hundreds of likes and is still growing every day. It is really exciting, but most importantly, we hope that the message of the song reaches many people.” The song was written with the aim of bringing to light all things that create pain and suffering. “The message is to motivate us as human beings to do better, and help humanity become accountable for the wrong that is done, as well to step up and not be afraid to say to each other, ‘you are wrong’,” he said.
Hodnett said the group was formed in March 1998, and that they have since released 10 songs.
“Each of the members belonged to another group at the time. I was in a hip hop group, Anton was in a harmony group and Clint was in a gospel group. However, we did not feel a sense of fulfillment. After we made contact, we decided to put together a ‘super group’, which offered a variety of music. Our first song, My girl, was well-received, ” he said.
He said while they have had many challenges over the years, it did not deter them from their goals.
“While life had brought some members to have to move away, the group was always there and continued to build and grow regardless. We also had some restrictions which led to delays in the release of our music, however, we can say that we have an arsenal of unheard music that we are waiting to get out there. The group always stood tall through all the obstacles with a ‘never give up’ attitude and persevered through it all,” he said.
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Hodnett said there have also been many highlights such as playing at numerous events, performing alongside international dancers, and airplay. “It has been fantastic and the response from the public has been phenomenal,” he said.
Hodnett, said the group, who are inspired by various artists such as Boyz II Men, Eminem, and Michael Jackson, intend on releasing an album this year.
“We are currently working on a full album, however, we also intend on releasing singles and music videos to maintain the consistency. We are also looking to meet with schools in different communities and plan a tour as we feel our children need to see a different side of life as opposed to the violence, drug abuse, stealing, gender-based violence, among other social-ills, ” he said.
He said the group’s advice to aspiring musicians trying to break into the industry, was to be authentic.
“You also need to remain passionate, and remember just because you are not achieving your results in your time, does not mean that your time is not coming. Always be be consistent, it is not easy, but if you persist, you will get there,” he said.
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