‘The People We Are’, the official song for CHOGM Malta 2015, and accompanying music video were launched this afternoon during an event organized by the CHOGM Malta 2015 Taskforce. Both the song and the music video embody the concept of unity in diversity, reminiscent of CHOGM Malta 2015’s theme, ‘The Commonwealth - Adding Global Value’.
The music of the official song is composed by Ivan Grech. The song has been recorded at Temple Studios, produced by David Vella and performed by leading singers from the local scene: Amber, Errol Sammut, Matthew Borg and Jasmine Abela with participation of the Animae Gospel Choir, the Malta Youth Orchestra as well Peter Borg, Robert Spiteri and Chris Curmi on guitar, drums and bass respectively.
The official video, produced by Public Broadcasting Services Limited and co-funded by the Malta Film Commission also involves the participation of children from La Voix Academy.
PBS Ltd said that in producing the music video ‘The People We Are’, it has drawn upon the common wealth of talent which abounds in Malta and knitted it into the fabric of our increasingly multi-cultural society.
PBS producer and concept creator Rodney Gauci added that “working with children and people from different cultures is always a pleasure but also requires sensitivity from a production point of view as well as from the crew – this sensitivity we found in spades”.
Film Commissioner Engelbert Grech said: “The Malta Film Commission is pleased to have collaborated with CHOGM Taskforce on this high level initiative. The MFC is proud to have been part of this process to ensure the best possible product which ultimately is a proof of Malta’s commitment towards the important international role of the Commonwealth”.
Ivan Grech, who composed the song described ‘The People We Are’ as “an anthem hailing those who work effortlessly for a better world led by empathy, peace and understanding, a tribute to all those whose sacrifices left a positive impact on our lives and a plea from our generation to those in power to follow in their footsteps”.
Grech described creating the song as a challenge: “I had to create a song with other fellow artists and performers in mind; it had to be something grand, involving a choir and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. I also had to tackle a specific subject bearing in mind that it is actually just one part of a much bigger puzzle”. He expressed his gratitude and pleasure at being given this opportunity to contribute and work with both established and upcoming artists to create a song with “a strong positive vibe”.
Artistic director, Raymond Calleja, described the creative process leading up to the final product as a “truly humbling experience with people coming together and sharing their ethnic, cultural and religious diversities”. He added: “The main objective behind the project ‘The People We Are’, both the song and the video, is to emphasise that we are united as global and Commonwealth citizens, albeit our different countries, cultures and values”
Whilst thanking all contributors, Calleja stated that he hopes the song will touch everyone emotionally in one way or another. He concluded that “life was, is and will continue to be about the people we are.”