OOBERFUSE - We Will Overcome

On Rotation: Ooberfuse "We Will Overcome"

Ooberfuse, the British-Filipino duo based in the UK known for creating mission-driven music, has released “We Will Overcome,” a hope-filled and resilient track that was created in support of the PREDA Foundation. With breathy vocals and a gentle yet unwavering energy, the track blends an angelic sound with a moving message of unity. Inspired by the stories of survivors and a response to recent political actions, the song aims to shine a light on the ongoing fight against exploitation.

With a reggae-styled production, “We Will Overcome” has a timeless quality, reminiscent of the gentle yet urgent energy found in artists like Sixpence None the Richer and Dolores O’Riordan. The light and airy instrumentation, paired with the soft vocals, creates a track that sounds gentle, despite the song lyrics that will be mentioned later. With the influences of reggae, the songs also resemble the activist spirit of artists like Bob Marley or Ziggy Marley, whose music often calls for change. The steady rhythm and soulful harmonies also have a comforting sound, making the song more of a lullaby for those struggling during these uncertain times.

At the heart of “We Will Overcome” are its lyrics that are simple, easy to understand, yet also thoughtful and moving. The song’s core message is best said in the repeated line: "We will overcome. Stand with us. Speak our truth to power." The verses focus on resilience, with lines like: "We will rise up, from the darkness into the light. This could be our greatest fight." This mirrors the themes of hope and struggle found in Tracy Chapman’s “Talkin’ ’Bout a Revolution.” While the lyrics are straightforward, their meaning goes a bit deeper, bringing attention to what it takes to confront injustice and demand change. Much like Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” or Peter Tosh’s “Equal Rights,” the lyrics are really a direct call to action. Yet, the softness of the vocals gives it more of an intimate quality that shows the power of music, bringing attention to their message through their gentle, almost whisper-like singing that demands attention.

Overall, “We Will Overcome” is a song with purpose, which is something we can expect more from in the years to come potentially. Created in collaboration with the PREDA Home for Girls, the song's mission is to raise awareness and funds means that this release feels especially urgent. “We Will Overcome” is a great reminder that music is not just entertainment, but a way to convey a message through art.