This sibling duo rooted from African soil, echoes a twangy Nashville country gospel sound created over time, and a journey traveled testifying of truth.
Twang & Testify
Twang & Testify
Angel
‘Angel’ to Advocate for Sex Trafficking Survivors
Nashville-based sibling duo Twang & Testify—Ilonka and Jaco Booyens—unveil their compelling new single, “Angel” a deeply moving ballad shedding light on the harrowing realities faced by sex trafficking survivors. Through powerful storytelling and emotive lyrics, “Angel” honors the trauma endured by survivors while offering a message of hope, healing, and redemption.
The song narrates the emotional story of a trafficking survivor sharing a final conversation with the man who rescued her. Though she calls him an angel, he humbly denies it. As her rescuer prepares to leave for heaven, she asks him to speak to God on her behalf. The lyrics paint a stark picture of the survivor’s emotional scars, concluding with a symbolic washing away of pain, representing her path to healing and redemption. The music video, available on YouTube, features three dancers, with two representing the man and woman in the story, and a third, dressed in white, symbolizing God’s spirit, offering comfort and healing. “Angel” is available on all major streaming platforms, including Smart Music Link.
Jaco Booyens and Ilonka Deaton are influential anti-sex trafficking advocates, combining advocacy, personal resilience, and community engagement to combat this pervasive issue. Jaco, founder of Jaco Booyens Ministries, directs awareness efforts, notably through his film “8 Days” which highlights the hidden prevalence of trafficking in the U.S. and inspires community action.
Ilonka, a Nashville-based recording artist, songwriter, and author, has recorded 14 albums and uses her gifts to further the fight against trafficking and support women in healing. A survivor herself, she shares her story of childhood abuse to empower others, advocating for trauma recovery and resilience through counseling and faith-based support.
Together, they lead a multifaceted approach—raising awareness, driving legislative reform, and supporting survivors in healing.
For booking inquiries, please contact: Jillian Anderson jillianalexisa@gmail.com
People Talk
Meet The band
Hailing from the vibrant landscapes of South Africa, brother and sister, Jaco Booyens and Ilonka Booyens Deaton embarked on an extraordinary journey that interweaves their passion for music and unyielding commitment to combatting human trafficking. Their collective odyssey found resonance in the heart of Nashville, a city where dreams find melodies and stories find their voice.
Individually recognized for their remarkable contributions within the music industry and their relentless advocacy against the harrowing realities of sex trafficking, Jaco and Ilonka stand as beacons of purpose-driven artistry. Their family narrative echoes the quintessential American tale—an emigration in pursuit of the fabled American Dream, a journey that took root when they arrived on U.S. soil in 2001.
Twang and Testify, serve as a testament to this resolute pursuit—a musical endeavor that fuses their diverse experiences and resounding talents. Their harmonies resonate not just in melodies but in the unwavering pursuit of truth. Through their music, this dynamic duo uses their voices to testify, not just to the world's realities but to the resilience that lies within each narrative.
At the core of their creative synergy is a sound that transcends genres, with their Country/Gospel sound they embrace the soul of their origins while crafting melodies that speak to universal themes. Rooted in authenticity and driven by a fervent desire to shed light on pressing issues, their music isn't just a symphony—it's a proclamation, a call to action, a tribute to the power of truth.
Twang and Testify—a duo whose music resonates beyond the strums of a guitar or the cadence of a lyric sheet. It's a profound dialogue, an anthem of truth, a symphony that beckons listeners to join them in the harmony of shared understanding.
Their story is more than a biography; it's an anthem—a melody of resilience, a chord progression of hope, and a lyrical tapestry of unwavering dedication to both music and the pursuit of justice.
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