Press Releases
All-Star Cast of Zambian Musicians Turn to Obama for Inspiration
Lusaka. March 2, 2009.
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Click on the image above and download your free copy of this song. |
LUSAKA—People from around the world have drawn inspiration from U.S. President Barack Obama’s messages about hope and empowerment. Now, a group which includes many of Zambia’s top musical performers, have used this same inspiration to record “Change We Can Believe In,” a catchy new song aimed at inspiring Zambian youth. |
Well-known Zambian percussionist and human rights activist Brian Chengala (aka “Shakarongo”) and U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer Christopher Wurst conceived the idea for the song, which was inspired by Obama’s inaugural address—portions of which are sampled within the song. The pair brought in John Phiri, the Director of Global Justice Zambia, an organization that aims to teach Zambian youth about the importance of voting and civic participation. In very little time, Mr. Chengala had assembled an A-team of performers, ready to use the energy of Obama’s motivation to reach out to Zambian youth.
The song, which blends pop music with elements of calypso and hip hop, features the lyrics:
Different people, different tongues, But still we resolve to make a difference;
Not just a dream, hope and words; Change we can believe in.
And: Uniting to stand for change we believe in, building a world for now and tomorrow.”
Besides Shakarongo, the song features Mutamula Mwale, Jay, Elijah, Sheko, Mau, Sista D, Yvonne Mwale, Dambisa, Bee Man, Sebastian Mutale, and John Kabanga.
“It was an honor to do a song based on Obama’s inaugural speech,” said Mr. Chengala. “It was a challenge to assemble an A-team of singers, both young and veteran, but my job was made easier by the musician’s enthusiasm about Obama’s message.”
Said singer Sheko: “It’s been an honor doing something based on Obama. I remember the day he won; I was so excited I started composing a song with my kids shouting “Obama, Obama,” not knowing that one day I would actually be asked to be part of a real project. I am excited!”
The song’s release coincides with the visit of Eric Casher, an organizer for Obama’s presidential campaign. Mr. Casher will be speaking to a variety of audiences about the importance of civic and electoral participation, youth empowerment and grassroots organizing. The visit is sponsored by the U.S. Mission to Zambia.
The song has been distributed to every radio station in Zambia and, according to Mr. Wurst, a copy of the song has even been sent to the White House. “When our President hears this song, he’s definitely going to want to learn more about Zambia!”
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