Shanya Releases Video For "Here For You"

Fresh on the scene, Shanya is an 18-year-old South African singer songwriter, whose debut single ‘Here For You’ will remain a prominent marker for these uncertain times. Written in 2020, the singer’s words were never intended to be a song. “It started as words on a paper,” she explains, “until it got stuck in my head.”

With live music taking a big knock since the coronavirus outbreak, many artists’ careers have come to a halt. For others, the pandemic has inspired them to write new music. Shanya decided to channel her energy into something positive.

The would-be song was a personal one, written about a long distance relationship. She wanted to express to her boyfriend that no matter the distance that she would always be there for him, to support him and to try comfort him whenever he needs.

Shanya comments on “Here For You”

“Worried about what others would think of the song caused me to leave it in that book for a year. Then someone told me that other peoples’ opinions should not rob me of what I love doing.”

Consequently, the budding star reached out to producer Gino Lee of River Road Records, who breathed life into the song.

Shanya tells us more about this

“We drove down to Qqeberha in the Eastern Cape to produce the song. We spent two days in the booth which had my nerves shot. I’ve recorded covers before but this was different. This was my song. Making the song was really fun and possibly the best experience I’ve ever had.”

‘Here For You’ is a beautiful pop song written during COVID lockdown. Though a love song, the track is significant for anyone who misses a loved one.

In everything she does, the Bela-Bela songstress strives to be original. This is evident in her artwork as well as the song’s associated music video.

Shanya comments on the video

“I believe in originality and keeping it real. Shooting the video was challenging because I wanted to keep it original but at the same time look professional.”

Directed and produced by SEVVEN, the team achieved exactly that. The video is a beautiful presentation of the yearning experienced by the singer in her moment of separation from her loved one.

Shanya comments on making the video with SEVVEN

“Every guy I tried using said they were too shy or dropped me few days before the shoot. Because of it, I felt that maybe it was a sign not to do it. Then I remembered that the devil despises progress, so I kept asking around until I found the brilliant Zandré van Wyk. I am extremely happy with the final product.”

“My hope for this video is that people will see and understand the emotions I was experiencing at the time of writing. I hope that it will answer any questions people had when they first heard the song, and more importantly, I really hope that people enjoy this visual representation of the song.”

The music video brings the lyrics to life, giving it some colour and depth, and Shanya is telling in her role. A deeply personal story, this song and video will give you all the feels.

You can download / stream “Here For You” HERE.

Watch this space for updates in the Music Videos category on SA Music Zone.