Samsung’s Ultimate Music Collab with Local Musicians, AI technology…and YOU!

Music in South Africa forms part of our national rhythmic heartbeat. The world over, as a nation, we are famous for this love of song and dance which has the power to move us, unite us and change us. With today’s tech, music has become a great part of our lives.

Over 100 athletes and teams, Team South Africa, are standing tall as a shining example at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games that you can win and be proud to represent your country. With this, Samsung salutes team SA’s extraordinary human achievement with the ultimate music collaboration between AI, South African musicians…and YOU under the Olympics theme for 2024: ‘Open Always Wins’, which embodies Samsung’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation.

“Samsung has boldly embarked on a new era with Galaxy AI creating breakthrough experiences that have empowered real connections and opened up new possibilities right from your phone. Generative AI in music production and composition is revolutionising music creation. It was only fitting in the brand’s continued quest to bring tech innovation that transforms lives, that a harmonious duet between AI and human being would emerge,” says Samsung’s Chief Marketing Officer, Oscar Makola.

There is no better way to effectively communicate a message than through an infectious melody. Sporting events have had their fair share of theme songs – what makes the OPEN SONG unique is that the track embodies a plethora of variables between AI, indigenous musical instruments, hip-hop and the harmonic melody of a choir.

SA is not short of the greatest musicians the world has ever seen. The anthemic Afrobeat OPEN SONG features award-winning SA hip-hop recording artist, KWESTA; modern folk music, songwriter and record producer, Jeremy Loops; Durban’s first lady of hip-hop, Lex La Foy; multi-faceted artist who plays and experiments with indigenous musical instruments, Mpho Molikeng and the incredible Mzansi Youth Choir celebrates our athletes currently at the Olympics Games Paris 2024.

Makola adds: “We are thrilled to partner with South Africans and such exceptional South African artists in showcasing the power of creativity and technology coming together to inspire and uplift.” This first-of-its-kind collaboration marks a significant milestone for Samsung, as it harnesses technology and local talent to create a cultural moment that resonates nationwide. By integrating AI in the process, Samsung has pioneered a new approach to music creation that blends tradition with innovation, echoing the spirit of its Galaxy devices – accessible to all, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and presenting new ways to do things.

“It was a fantastic experience working with the Samsung team. Collaborating with other artists in the space and reuniting with the Mzansi Youth Choir, with whom I share a strong connection, was truly joyful. Being in the studio and creating music together was a lot of fun” says Jeremy Loops. “It’s always exciting to work with new people and teams, especially in support of our athletes at the Olympics. I hope the song resonates with them and helps energize their journey. Let’s fly at these Olympics South Africa, let’s go!”

“Collaborating with Samsung on the OPEN SONG was really awesome. I like the song but more than that I like the messaging and reason for doing it. It’s important or us to encourage and support our athletes and remind them that we are right behind them. I want Team SA to remember that possibilities are endless and they can go higher than they even think, especially with us behind them. They must give it their all and if that brings some medals, even better. To the rest of Mzansi, I say let’s show love and support to our wonderful athletes at the Olympics,” says Kwesta.

Turning music on its head with this duet between AI and South African musicians, Samsung is inviting the nations to add their unique flair to the OPEN SONG that can only truly be complete by the nation’s voice. This unique initiative underscores Samsung’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation, embodied by its ethos that ‘Open Always Wins’.

Makola concludes: “The OPEN SONG fully encapsulates this rapid era of technological advances and digital transformation that affects every aspect our lives: The Golden Age of Innovation.”

Jump on the Open Verse Challenge on TikTok, and showcase your musical skills with your own recorded video rendition/adding to the song to show support for our Olympians and you could stand a chance to win 1 of 4 recently launched Galaxy Z Flip6. Tag Samsung on TikTok: @SamsungSouthAfrica using the hashtags #SAVoicesUnited and #OpenAlwaysWins.