We Are One Campaign supported by top international artists with release of new song for South African Big Cat Sanctuary!

A new pop song, We are One, will be released on iTunes on 22 December 2018 in support of Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary. The song is a collaboration between a group of top international and South African artists: Beverley Knight, Chris Eaton, Nádine, Theuns Jordaan, Rian Swanepoel, André Venter and Aganang Serenaders; and composed by award-winning songwriters, Chris Eaton and Franceska Aeschlimann.
The top international artists united in song to bring awareness to an issue that needs urgent illumination – the plight of big cats in the world and the way they are exploited for financial gain. The public who participate in cub-petting, taking selfies, and walking with lions are usually unwitting participants in an industry that is not only causing great suffering to these majestic big cats but also damaging the brand of tourism South Africa. Other practices such as canned hunting and trading bones adds to the cruelty and exploitation of our wildlife.
The group of artists came together to donate their talent and time to this important cause, like groups of artists have done in the past with benefit songs such as ‘We are the World’. The idea came from Carien Marais, owner of Denim Media Productions, who wanted to help Panthera Africa and their cause. “I was moved by the incredible passion and care both Cathrine Nyquist and Lizaene Cornwall had for the wellbeing of the recued animals at the Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, when I visited them for the first time just over a year ago. Being an animal lover myself, I wanted to make some sort of contribution to the sanctuary and make a difference. The production of music events is my other passion and that is where the idea of producing a unique theme song and music concert in aid of the sanctuary originated. We had fantastic support from the two internationally acclaimed songwriters, international and local producers, local and international artists, and together with the official support of a host of the world’s largest animal welfare organizations, I have no doubt that this song and the campaign will make a huge and positive impact on the long term survival and wellbeing of these magnificent animals”, says Marais.
The founders of Panthera Africa, Cathrine S. Nyquist and Lizaene Cornwall, were absolutely thrilled with the idea as this would enable them to spread their message even further. Panthera Africa is a sanctuary where no breeding, trading or interaction takes place and is a home to 11 lions, two tigers, two leopards, two cheetahs, three caracals, and three jackals. Visitors to the sanctuary are shown around by their host and told about what is really happening in the big cat tourism industry and asked to support only ethical sanctuaries and other big cat tourism activities.
“The rise of the human consciousness worldwide is adding fuel to the many causes; global warming, plastic pollution in the oceans, wildlife crime, animal welfare. People are starting to deeply care and wanting to make a difference and speak up”, says Nyquist.
The proceeds of the sale of the song, We are One, will go to Panthera Africa and will be used to build an Ambassador Centre and Veterinary Clinic at the sanctuary itself.
The Ambassador Centre will be a place for raising of awareness and conscious living. It will be the base for the Panthera Africa Ambassador Program which has as its sole purpose to create ambassadors for a sustainable future focusing on the concept of “we are one” – animals, nature and humans. The program will make use of everything from ancient wisdom to today’s modern technology, with an emphasis on the connectedness with nature, animals and one’s own inner heart and journey. The main focus is to involve youth, and the program will be done on a global scale with the aim to unite all cultures and belief systems and ignite conscious living worldwide.
The Veterinary Clinic will enable Panthera Africa to best care for their animals with emergency needs as well as yearly health checks, in addition to medium- and small-sized wild cats that live in the area, including Cape leopard, caracal and African wildcats.
“We Are One” clearly shows that there are so many good people out there who truly cares! We are overwhelmed by the compassion, kindness and generosity shown to the Panthera Africa pride, and the want to make a difference for an important cause by sharing their unique talents! We are forever grateful, and so excited to unite people from all over the world through the We Are One campaign to stand together for the big cats that truly deserve to be heard”, states Nyquist.
Cornwall says “I am very excited that the animals’ voices can finally be heard, and humans’ hearts can be reached; not by exploiting, touching or interacting with big cats but by “exploiting” ourselves by listening to this song that can touch hearts across all ages, genders and cultures all over the world. “
The “We Are One” project has been officially endorsed by some of the world’s largest animal welfare organizations, such as Four Paws International, Born Free Foundation, Blood Lions, Global White Lion Protection Trust, and the Campaign Against Canned Hunting (CACH).

Single Details:
Artists:
Beverley Knight (Queen of British Soul Beverley Knight has been one of the UK’s most consistent artists for two decades, scoring several Top 10 albums, including the platinum selling Voice: The Best Of Beverley Knight. She has sold over a million albums in the UK along the way, including four gold certified albums. Her latest album ‘Soulsville’ was released in June 2016 and went straight into the UK Top 10. She was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2007 for services to British music and charity, has won three MOBO Awards, and been nominated for Best Female at the Brit Awards three times and for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize), Chris Eaton (Multiple Award-winning UK Songwriter and Singer), Nádine (Platinum-selling artist, GMT awards nominee), Theuns Jordaan (Platinum-selling Artist, SAMA winner), Rian Swanepoel (Top 10 Idols Finalist & SAMA Nominee), André Venter (Platinum-selling Artist, previously from SAMA winning band, Romanz) and Aganang Serenaders (Founded by David Phoshane, Winner of Old Mutual Award for Best Bass Singer in South Africa, recorded with Paul Potts and performed in the UK and Thailand).
Composed by: Chris Eaton (songwriter for e.g. Sir Cliff Richard and Amy Grant) and Franceska Aeschlimann (songwriter for e.g. Mario Frangoulis, Jermaine Jackson).
Produced by: Chris Eaton, Rian Swanepoel and Mark Edwards.
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Issued by the Marketing Department of Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary.
Date: 21 December 2018
Embargo: None
Contact Persons:
Cathrine S. Nyquist – cat@pantheraafrica.com / Cell: 076 974 3088
Carien Marais – carien@denimproductions.co.za / Cell: 082 480 4866