The Parlotones reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro
By Laura Ferreiro
Following a grueling climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, The Parlotones flew directly to Austin for SXSW, where frontman Kahn Morbee and drummer Neil Pauw chatted with Music for Good about their journey to raise awareness of violence against women and girls in Africa. The South African quartet climbed Africa’s tallest mountain as part of the Africa UNiTE campaign, an initiative that brings together more than 14 United Nations organizations mobilizing for this cause.
“We certainly aren’t naïve to think that this one walk will suddenly bring about instant change, but it is certainly a step in the right direction and it’s a project that will be sustained,” Morbee said. “Only through something that is ongoing can you really achieve results.”
It took the band several days to reach the summit, and they were joined by dignitaries and women who have been victims of abuse. “(Violence against women) is alarmingly on the increase,” said Morbee. “We’re trying to achieve awareness and say there is a solution and there are people who can help.”
Kahn Morbee
The climb was designed to make the women feel they’re not alone and to support the Africa UNiTE campaign, which has three main objectives: first, to prevent violence against women and girls; second, to provide services to survivors of violence; and third, to promote justice and end impunity for those who have committed violence against women. The climb also tested the band’s endurance in ways they didn’t anticipate. Check out the video above to learn all about it.
Celebrating at the summit -- The Parlotones' Kahn Morbee & Neil Pauw (front left)
