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Shakira launching anti-gun campaign
29 September 2005
THE city-based daughter of running star Kriss Akabusi is launching her singing career as part of a new hard hitting anti-gun campaign.
Shakira Akabusi's group Soul Deep UK has recorded a tack called 'Why?' for the Don't Trigger campaign, which has been backed by PM Tony Blair and Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, among others.
Why? is a touching song, strengthened by sound bites of the mother's of victims of gun-crime, asking the simple question – why?
Shakira, who turns 18 in a couple of weeks and lives in Milton Keynes, was handpicked from thousands of people who auditioned to be part of the campaign.
"They went through the idea, and pitched it to me, telling me about the mums, and I couldn't say no," she said.
"It's such an important campaign.
"Gun crime is rising in the UK and it needs to be stopped."
The video has been getting a lot of play on MTV Base, The Box and Channel U.
"The video shows that gun crime affects everyone,
regardless of race, and that is reflected in the video," said Shakira.
"The mother who finds her shot son is black, then white, and then Asian.
"It's a strong song with a strong video."
Bosses at Gut Records are now holding talks with the BBC to try to get it played on Radio 1.
Shakira hopes that with all the publicity the EP,
released on Monday (October 3), will hit the charts.
"Singing is my passion and it is the one thing that can unite everyone," she said.
"Everyone relates to music – it's such a good way to get the message across and I hope people will back it."
Shakira is currently honing her skills at the Arts
Educational School in Tring where she is also studying for three A-levels and a Btec.
Her proud parents, Kriss, who shot to fame as one of the top athletes in the world in the 80s, and mother Monika, have backed her all the way.
"My parents have both been very supportive of me in everything I do," she said.
For more information visit www.don't-trigger.com.
Source: miltonkeynes
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