“The struggles I’m facing, The chances I’m taking, Just got to keep going, I gotta be strong, Just keep pushing ...”
These lines from “The Climb” describe the character of our health workers worldwide. In their tribute to health workers, Wouter Kellerman and the Soweto-based Mzansi Youth Choir drive these encouraging words home.
Despite the dangers, health workers are climbing very steep mountains to summit the top. Yet, the next morning there is another, even higher mountain to conquer, and then another.
To climb the COVID-19 mountain range requires endless, immeasurable dedication, commitment, courage and sacrifice. For health workers, the struggle is real! Daily they face treacherous rock faces and raging rivers, yet they forge ahead, hour-by-hour, day-by-day, month-after-month. They are the real superheroes and conquerors of this time!
Above their masks, their eyes project hope, patience, weariness, determination, but also a deep sadness and genuine empathy.
With our music and Miley Cyrus’s words, we want to encourage them across our planet:
“Keep climbing
Keep the faith
It’s all about
The Climb ...”
Ngiyabonga, uhambe kahle, siyakhuleka futhi siyabingelela - (thank you, go well, we pray and salute you.)
We are so grateful for all the help we received in making this video - it’s unbelievable how people came together in times of need. A special thank you to Tessa Ford Post for sponsoring and editing the video, and all the sponsored footage we received.
Wouter Kellerman
Globe-trotting flautist and composer Wouter Kellerman received a 2015 Grammy® Award for his album’ Winds of Samsara.’
His next album ‘Love Language’ debuted at no. 1 on the World Music Billboard charts and received a Grammy® nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, Kellerman’s second nomination in as many years. Kellerman is also recognised at home, winning seven SAMA’s (South Africa’s equivalent to the Grammy,) reinforcing his status as one of South Africa’s foremost musicians. Delighting audiences with magnetic alchemy of warmth and technical mastery, Kellerman finds his inspiration in the spaces between cultures and countries, genres and disciplines.
Wouter has travelled extensively, performing in places like Berlin, Shanghai, Delhi, Amsterdam, New York, Los Angeles, Johannesburg, Sydney and at the opening of MIDEM in Cannes. Performance highlights include the Soccer World Cup Closing Ceremony for 700 million people and multiple performances at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Passionate about teaching and empowering young people, Kellerman sponsored the SOS Children’s Village for the past 17 years. For his continued efforts in helping give these children a better life, Kellerman was nominated for the Inyathelo Special Recognition Award for Philanthropy.
MYC:
MZANSI YOUTH CHOIR from Soweto formed in 2003 to afford talented, underprivileged teenagers and young adults, the opportunity to proficiently perform locally and abroad. Also, to create an appreciation of traditional African music nationally and internationally and finally to embrace various music genres.
Performance Highlights:
Performed at the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup - the choir shared the stage with Columbian superstar Shakira and local band Freshly Ground for the performance of the official 2010 World Cup song ‘WakaWaka’ at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. In 2018 the choir opened the World Choir Games held in South Africa with Vusi Mahlasela where 300 choirs participated, and they won the Gospel Section.
The choir toured internationally to Canada, Denmark, England, Turkey, Scotland, Russia and Egypt. Some exceptional highlights were performances at the Royal Albert Hall, The Presidential Inauguration, The Voice and Dancing with the Stars. The choir shared the stage with international megastars like Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Shakira, D’Banj, Celtic Women and recently with Beyoncé during December 2018 at the Global Citizen’s concert at the FNB stadium.
MYC’s beautiful, youthful sound, exciting choreography, pulsating energy, buoyancy, vibrancy, and devotion to South African music is an experience not to be missed.
Tholsi Pillay
Take a listen right here.
