[WATCH] Official CHOGM song launched: ‘The People We Are’

The task force behind the preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government has launched the official song and video for CHOGM Malta 2015.

‘The People We Are’ was produced by Public Broadcasting Services Limited and co-funded by the Malta Film Commission. Children from La Voix Academy participated.

According to the taskforce, the song and the music video “embody the concept of unity in diversity”, going hand in hand with this year’s CHOGM theme ‘adding global value’.

The music was composed by Ivan Grech while the song was recorded at Temple Studios. Produced by David Vella, the song is performed by: 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.

“It is 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,” composer Grech said.

“Working with children and people from different cultures is always a pleasure but also requires a sensitivity from a production point of view as well as from the crew – this sensitivity we found in spades,” PBS producer and concept creator Rodney Gauci added.

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”.

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”.