Johannesburg – As part of their ongoing international commitment to mental health awareness, America’s Papa Roach is urging their South African fans to reach out to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) for support. This initiative comes on the heels of their success in the US with their emotive new single, “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark),” a powerful collaboration with eight-time Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood.
The duet continues the mission of the California rock band to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health. With royalties from the song benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) indefinitely, the collaboration aims to shine a light on the critical importance of mental health resources globally.
Frontman Jacoby Shaddix expressed his gratitude for Underwood’s involvement, stating, “We were humbled that Carrie was open to our mission. Her incredible voice adds a new dimension to our cause, and we believe it will resonate with fans everywhere. We truly have seen fans respond all over the world and we intend to do what we can to help people talk about this important topic. We hope to visit South Africa and bring our show for the first time.” Underwood added, “The message behind this song and the mission to shine a light on mental health has never been more important.
The song has already made waves in the US, becoming the band’s 12th #1 single and reaching the Top 10 on multiple charts. Throughout their recent tour, Papa Roach made a significant impact by raising over $250,000 for the AFSP and encouraging fans to engage in conversations about mental health.
Bob Gebbia, CEO of the AFSP, remarked, “Papa Roach’s commitment to mental health awareness is commendable. This collaboration with Carrie Underwood will help reach even more fans, encouraging them to seek help and support.”
Papa Roach noticed that fans were already streaming the single in South Africa and thus encouraged their South African audience to connect with SADAG, where trained professionals are available to offer support and resources to those in need. Contact the SADAG Suicie Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567.
Watch the music video here: Papa Roach & Carrie Underwood – Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)
About Papa Roach
Papa Roach, known for their two-time Grammy-nominated, Platinum-selling status, have been advocates for mental health since their breakout hit “Last Resort.” With over 450 million global streams and multiple #1 singles, they continue to be a powerful voice in rock music. Their upcoming “Rise of the Roach” Arena tour in 2025 promises to bring their message to new audiences.
About Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood is a multi-talented superstar with more than 85 million records sold worldwide. A seven-time Grammy winner and a beloved figure in the music industry, she has consistently used her platform to advocate for important causes, including mental health.
About SADG
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is at the forefront of patient advocacy, education and stigmatisation of mental illness in the country. Its expertise lies in assisting patients and callers throughout South Africa with mental health queries.
SADAG is a Non-Profit Organisation, a Registered Section 21 Company, with an 18a tax exemption. It has on its board a powerful team of Patients, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and General Practitioners. SADAG was established twenty years ago to serve as a support network for the thousands of South Africans who live with mental health problems. Currently, it is estimated that 1 in 5 people will, or do, suffer from a mental illness. SADAG manages a 16-line counselling-and-referral call centre, and is the voice of patient advocacy, working in urban, peri-urban, and the most rural communities across South Africa.