Bantu Nots, Roiii, Toss and Naledi Aphiwe have joined forces on Carry Their Names, a commemorative anthem released alongside its official music video as part of this year’s June 16 campaign in partnership with MTN. The powerful release honours the students who lost their lives during the 1976 Soweto Uprising while ensuring that their stories remain part of South Africa’s collective memory.

LISTEN HERE: https://soldistro.lnk.to/CarryTheirNames

More than a music release, Carry Their Names was created as a living tribute rooted in remembrance, honour and reflection. The campaign seeks to preserve the legacy of the young people whose courage shaped the country’s history by placing their names at the centre of the conversation rather than allowing them to become forgotten figures in history.

The project was introduced through an intimate roundtable discussion hosted by Scoop Makhathini. The conversation brought together featured artists Toss, Roiii, Naledi Aphiwe and Bantu Notsalongside acclaimed singer Zoe Modiga and much-loved, inspiring activist Fasiha Hassan to reflect on the meaning of Youth Day, the connection between art and activism, and the responsibility of today’s generation to continue carrying the legacy of those who came before them.

Each artist contributes a distinct voice to the track. Naledi Aphiwe delivers soulful vocals that capture the emotional weight of remembering the fallen youth. Bantu Nots adds rich cultural depth and harmonic textures that connect ancestral memory with contemporary sounds. Toss brings his energetic delivery, transforming remembrance into a celebration of youthful resilience, while Roiii reinforces the song’s message with thoughtful lyricism that keeps the storytelling focused and impactful.

The campaign behind the song is built around a single mission: ensuring that the sacrifices of the 1976 generation are never reduced to statistics. Instead, Carry Their Names encourages younger generations to recognise the individuals whose actions helped shape South Africa’s future and to continue sharing their stories.

MTN expanded the campaign beyond music through a nationwide digital tribute on June 16. Millions of customers saw the network carrier name on their mobile phones change from “MTN-SA” to the names of children who lost their lives during the 1976 uprising. The initiative transformed everyday digital spaces into a platform for remembrance while connecting people across the country through a shared act of honouring the past.

Accompanied by its official music video, Carry Their Names extends its message beyond audio, using visual storytelling to reinforce themes of remembrance, resilience and legacy. Together, the song, video and wider campaign create a lasting tribute that bridges the events of 1976 with present-day South Africa, ensuring that the flame lit by the youth of that generation continues to inspire future generations.

Watch ‘We Carry Their Names’ video here

Download image assets here

Watch Is ’76 Relevant In ’26 video here

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