Music has always been a powerful medium for storytelling and advocacy, and Xayne Outlander’s tribute song “Heaven Awot” stands as a testament to that. Released as Xayne Outlander’s first-ever single under Roc Nation’s distribution arm, “Heaven Awot” is more than just a song—it is a call to action and a heartfelt expression of grief and solidarity.
The story behind “Heaven Awot” is both tragic and deeply moving. In August of 2023, Heaven Awot was sexually assaulted, tortured, mutilated, and brutally murdered by her mother’s landlord in Bahir Dar. Her killer only received a 25 year prison sentence. The public’s anger was magnified even more by his subsequent appeal. Heaven Awot’s story shook communities across Ethiopia and beyond, sparking outrage and a demand for justice. Xayne Outlander, deeply connected to Ethiopia, felt compelled to use his music to honor Heaven Awot’s memory and bring global attention to her story.
“Heaven Awot” resonated far and wide. Distributed under Roc Nation, the song quickly gained traction, with listeners across Africa, South America, Asia, Europe, and North America streaming it on platforms like Spotify. Many listeners were so moved by the song that they reached out to Xayne Outlander personally, sharing how it inspired them to sign the petition demanding justice for Heaven and her mother. For Xayne, this response showed him how music could be used to drive a meaningful change.
“When I wrote ‘Heaven Awot,’ it wasn’t just about creating a song,” he explains. “It was about honoring a life cut short and giving a voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves. I wanted people to feel her story and take action, and I’m grateful that the song had such an impact.”
Through “Heaven Awot” and his other works, Xayne Outlander has demonstrated that music can transcend borders and inspire action. With Roc Nation providing the platform to amplify his voice, Xayne Outlander is not only creating art but also fostering awareness and advocacy on a global scale.
Social Media Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2X5m6goOlHCK53a8oiq1zN
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xayneoutlander/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/xayne-outlander/1623038931
