British-Filipino duo Ooberfuse returns with “We Will Overcome,” a stirring protest anthem that shines a light on one of the world’s most harrowing humanitarian crises—the systemic abuse of Filipino children exploited by sex trafficking rings. More than just a song, this single is a rallying cry, born from the band’s direct collaboration with PREDA Foundation, a Nobel Peace Prize-nominated organization rescuing trafficked and abused children.
The track arrives as a direct response to the defunding of USAID’s child protection programs under the Trump administration—a move that severed critical funding for vulnerable children in Olongapo, a city near former US naval bases where exploitation thrives. “We will inevitably see a spike in the sexual and drug demands of US sailors,” he states grimly, referencing decades of documented abuse tied to military presence.
Ooberfuse channels this urgency into a pulsing, synth-driven protest anthem, blending Cherrie Anderson’s haunting vocals with Hal St John’s anthemic production. The chorus—“We will overcome by speaking truth to power”—echoes the voices of PREDA’s rescued children, who sing these words as part of their healing. The track’s accompanying visuals (reportedly featuring PREDA’s work) amplify its message, forcing listeners to confront the reality behind the lyrics.
Anderson, who grew up in the Philippines, speaks to the song’s deeper purpose: “The biggest roadblock is a prevailing culture of silence… Music is a powerful means to end it.” This ethos drives “We Will Overcome,” which refuses to look away from the horrors these children endure—nor the systems enabling them. St John describes the emotional impact of hearing survivors sing these lyrics: “My heart was bursting with joy… These children arrive broken but leave transformed.”
Ooberfuse has long used their platform for activism, having previously collaborated with Snoop Dogg on a homelessness anthem and even earning recognition from the Pope. But “We Will Overcome” may be their most vital work yet—a track that doesn’t just raise awareness but demands action. PREDA’s mission—rescuing children, providing therapy, and legally prosecuting abusers—hinges on global support, and this song serves as a sonic lifeline.
“We Will Overcome” is protest music at its most necessary—a fusion of unflinching activism and soaring melody that refuses to let the world ignore these children. In a landscape where pop often shies from politics, Ooberfuse and PREDA wield music as a weapon against exploitation. This isn’t just a song; it’s a call to arms.
