DJ Dave, Kidd Santhe in third single penned by death row inmate

NGO Sebaran Kasih launched a third single titled “Pintu Besi”, featuring the lyrics of Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, who is currently on death row in Singapore.

Legendary singer Datuk DJ Dave, upcoming singer Kidd Santhe and the Vice-Chairman of Sebaran Kasih Prince Jon provided the vocals.

The song looks at the death row inmates’ complex emotions as they await impending execution while seeking forgiveness and mercy.

The lyrics that move mountains

Speaking at the event, Datuk DJ Dave said everyone deserves a second chance at redemption, even those we look down on.

“My heart goes out to all death row inmates, unfairly placed there to face death,” said Dave.

Meanwhile, Kidd Santhe revealed that the lyrics struck him because it was genuine and honest, and he came out of a sabbatical to do this song.

“So I’m excited to be a part of this project because it uses music to bring a positive, hopeful message of forgiveness and mercy,” said Kidd.

Prince Jon said that he could relate to the experience of incarceration.

Sebaran Kasih is now closer to his heart with the deepening bond for this cause, added Jon

Lawyer and human rights activist M Ravi shared his experience of getting involved in Vignesh Moorthy’s fight against the death penalty in 2013.

The impending execution traumatised Vignesh to an extent of becoming mentally unstable said Ravi.

“It was traumatizing to see his death considering that his state of mind had degenerated to one of a child’s,” said Ravi. 

Support for death row inmates

The EU, Ensemble Contre La Peine De Mort (ECPM), Anti Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN), Amnesty International Malaysia and Lawyers For Liberty supported the song.

Sebaran Kasih’s president Angelia Pranthaman said the meaningful messages in the song would help raise awareness of the need to abolish the death penalty.

“We need more forgiveness and mercy in the hearts of everyone, and we hope we can collectively give death row inmates a second chance”, said Angelia.

Sebaran Kasih also launched a fundraising initiative called “Kitchen of Hope” at the event today.

The fundraising initiative aims to aid families of death row inmates financially.

“Kitchen of Hope” caters for small-to-medium events and uses its profits to help sustain these families.

“We’ve made an impact through music, the conversation surrounding the death penalty through music is taking place, and we must keep it was going”, she added.

“Pintu Besi” is available to the public on YouTube. The song is available on all major music platforms from August 8 onwards.