Ooberfuse is an electro-infused alt-pop duo originating from London, comprised of instrumentalist Hal St John and vocalist Cherrie Anderson. They have established a distinctive presence in the global music scene by merging electronic elements with alternative pop, showcased through performances at renowned festivals like The Great Escape in the UK and an opening act for Rudimental in Beijing. Their music has garnered accolades from industry luminaries such as Boy George, Paul Oakenfold, and Sister Bliss, and has been highlighted in major media platforms including BBC Radio 1, Rolling Stone India, and DJ Mag. Renowned for their bold approach to addressing social issues, Ooberfuse has engaged in initiatives amplifying marginalized voices, which includes a partnership with Snoop Dogg focusing on homelessness and their recent single, “We Will Overcome,” that confronts the pressing issue of child exploitation.

On March 24th, 2025, the alt-pop duo Ooberfuse unveiled “We Will Overcome,” a track that serves as both an artistic creation and a call for action. In collaboration with Father Shay Cullen and the PREDA Home for Girls, this song illuminates the grim realities surrounding child exploitation, trafficking, and abuse in the Philippines. The release’s timing is especially significant, aligning with Right to Truth Day, a day meant to highlight human rights violations and pursue justice for the afflicted. With its captivating instrumentation, passionately crafted lyrics, and the voices of genuine survivors included, “We Will Overcome” transcends mere music to become a beacon of hope, resilience, and defiance against oppression.

Musically, “We Will Overcome” artfully combines Ooberfuse’s signature ethereal soundscapes with reggae-pop influences, creating an ambiance that is simultaneously haunting and uplifting. The track opens with a gentle acoustic sound, immediately establishing a personal and reflective mood. As the song progresses, intricate percussive components, ambient synth patterns, and melodic basslines enhance the sound, providing a dynamic evolution that reflects the emotional gravity of the topic. The production, managed by Hal St John, expertly balances organic warmth with electronic elements, ensuring that each part contributes to the immersive storytelling without overshadowing the song’s delicate yet potent core message.

Central to “We Will Overcome” is Cherrie Anderson’s heartfelt vocal performance, which is both passionate and urgent. Her voice, imbued with genuine emotion, conveys the suffering, strength, and unwavering spirit of those impacted by child exploitation. However, the song truly reaches a profound level due to the participation of children from the PREDA Foundation, who contribute their voices to the chorus. Singing with undeniable conviction, their contributions add a layer of authenticity and emotional depth that makes the song impossible to overlook. The chorus, “Stand with us, call for freedom, together we will overcome,” serves not only as a lyric but also as a proclamation of resilience, transforming the track into a rallying cry for change.

Lyrically, “We Will Overcome” resonates as both intimately personal and broadly significant. The song does more than highlight the issue of child exploitation; it actively confronts the culture of silence that allows such horrors to continue. Cherrie Anderson, who has her roots in the Philippines, is acutely aware of how fear and societal stigma hinder victims from speaking out. Through this song, Ooberfuse aims to dismantle that silence via music, empowering those who have remained voiceless for too long. Collaborating with Father Shay Cullen, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and founder of the People’s Recovery, Empowerment, and Development Assistance Foundation (PREDA), further enhances the song’s authenticity and effectiveness as it directly supports an organization dedicated to combating child exploitation for decades. For contributions towards the PREDA movement, please click on the link: https://preda.org/donate/.

Beyond the music itself, “We Will Overcome” carries a powerful political and social message. The song directly addresses the devastating consequences of the Trump administration’s decision to cut USAID funding, which had previously provided crucial resources to organizations like PREDA. The reopening of US military bases in the Philippines has only worsened the situation, leading to a resurgence in the demand for sex work and illicit activities. Father Shay Cullen warns that without urgent action, history will repeat itself, and Filipino women and children will once again become victims of exploitation at the hands of foreign military personnel. By aligning themselves with this cause, Ooberfuse has transformed their art into activism, using their platform to bring attention to an issue that many would rather ignore.

The production quality of “We Will Overcome” reflects a meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every note, instrument, and vocal harmony serves the greater purpose of the song. Hal St John’s production style allows the emotional nuances to shine, making the track as sonically captivating as it is thematically powerful. The organic warmth of the acoustic elements, combined with the modern electronic textures, creates a timeless soundscape that resonates deeply with listeners. Each verse and chorus builds upon the last, crafting a narrative of transformation, from suffering to healing, from oppression to freedom. The inclusion of children’s voices is not just a production choice but a deliberate artistic statement, reinforcing the reality that these are not just stories; they are real lives being affected.

The music video for “We Will Overcome” further amplifies the song’s message, offering stark visual storytelling that juxtaposes the harsh realities of exploitation with moments of hope and empowerment. Through striking imagery, the video highlights both the pain and the resilience of survivors, making it an essential companion to the song. Featuring powerful imagery of children affected by exploitation alongside moments of resilience and empowerment, the video transforms “We Will Overcome” from a song into a movement, ensuring that the audience does not just listen but fully understands the gravity of the issue. The video’s storytelling serves as a call to action, urging viewers to support PREDA’s mission and contribute to the fight against child exploitation.

In the end, “We Will Overcome” stands as a testament to the power of music as a force for change. Ooberfuse has once again proven that art can be more than just entertainment; it can be a tool for justice, a voice for the voiceless, and a rallying cry for those who refuse to accept injustice. By blending emotive storytelling with compelling production, they have created a song that not only raises awareness but also inspires action. As the voices of the children echo through the chorus, it is impossible not to feel the weight of their message. This is not just a song, it is a movement, a mission, and a moment in history that demands to be heard.

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