PJ Powers has been one of the many local acts who have had gigs cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. The star was meant to perform a beautiful cover of her Rugby World Cup hit track ‘World In Union’ alongside the Tygerberg Children’s Choir at The Suidooster Festival but despite its cancellation, a video track was released as a tribute to all essential workers around the globe. The video also honours citizens’ disciplined isolation efforts and adherence to lockdown regulations during these challenging times.
Audio and footage were recorded during lockdown while all artists were self-isolating at home. They include PJ and her band members, Tigger Reunert, Schalk Joubert, Kevin Gibson, Lolo Rollins and Donveno Prins, as well as the 35 choir members.
When the project was initiated, PJ Powers came on board without hesitation. “I was delighted when this virtual collaboration came about, as the song’s important message is more appropriate than ever during these uncertain times. This time around I approached the vocals with a sense of healing and hope in mind. My hope is that it will capture the hearts of the nation as we walk this uncharted path,” PJ explains. “To all essential workers out there, South Africa continues to rely heavily on you. Your courage, resilience and hard work has not gone unnoticed. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God Bless you and ease your load in the not too distant future.”
Working in this virtual manner, was a first for Powers. “Incorporating a choir on such a large scale has been one of the most exciting things I’ve done in my long career. My personal experience of lockdown has been one of striving not to surrender every day. Sometimes I manage, sometimes I don’t,” she says. “But what I do know is that fear and worry does not take away today’s troubles; it takes away tomorrow’s peace. To my fellow artists – we are being tested, not only financially, but also spiritually. Find that balloon of hope inside yourself and hang on for dear life. To South Africans and fellow African countries: we have proved time and again how resilient we are. This is no different.”
Karina Erasmus, conductor of the Tygerberg Children’s Choir, tells of the excitement and challenges during the recording process: “The choir immediately grabbed the opportunity to sing with a South African legend, and I knew from the start that the children would make a success of it. Since we are not allowed to practice together during the lockdown, this project gave us an opportunity to share a message of hope with the world.”
Watch the video here:
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