With the severe water shortages facing the city of Cape Town, South African musicians are taking part in an innovative initiative, led by Sanlam, to get people to reduce their water usage in the bathroom with the help of a playlist of Shower Songs.

The playlist is made up of two-minute versions of popular songs by Mi Casa, Kwesta, Jimmy Nevis, the Springbok Nude Girls and more. The playlist aims to practically help people keep their showers short.

Sanlam Brand Chief executive Yegs Ramiah said the initiative is aimed at effecting permanent change in people’s showering habits – not just in Cape Town and not just in the short-term.

“We are one of the 30 most water scarce countries in the world, so we see this as relevant to the whole nation not just today, but over the long-term,” said Ramiah.

The goal in the Western Cape is to use no more than 87 litres of water a day per person and to cut down on water-guzzling shower time, which will go a long way to getting this right.

Pop star Jimmy Nevis said he was eager to get involved in this initiative because he believed it is everyone’s responsibility as families, as individuals, as people to step up and come together for a worthy cause.

“We have a lot of power through unity and when we stand for something, we can take things really far,” added Nevis.

Far from just being shortened versions of the original, the songs have all been remixed and rerecorded with a unique sound that demonstrates that, just like showers, shortened can be just as amazing as the original. 

“If I can speed rap in under two minutes, then I feel people can cut their shower time too,” says hip-hop star Rouge. 

Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille said it was an amazing initiative and thanked everyone involved in the campaign for helping to spread the message of saving water.

“It shows that private sector players are taking our City messages and using it to develop and drive their own water awareness campaigns. It is exactly what we have been hoping to see,” said De Lille.

She added that the water crisis was severe and while the city is doing all it can to ensure that taps don’t run dry, she urged all residents to help save water.

Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy said this fresh approach presented a fun and accessible way for both locals and visitors to save water and enjoy doing it.

“Sustainability is essential, so let’s get singing along in the shower for the sake of Cape Town,” said Duminy.

For more information on the initiative, click here.