Community bands together to ‘Heal our Land’
The long-awaited music video "Heal our Land" was launched on December 8. The concept started with a vision of Jeanne Lourens, the Mpumalanga Youth Choir (MPYC) director, about this specific song.
She immediately contacted Jacques Lombard the MPYC manager and organiser of many productions in Mpumalanga.
The idea started to take shape when Lombard decided to get national gospel songstress Pretty Mhlongo involved, as well as her music producer husband, Selby.
“We contacted professionals in the Lowveld to make this project spectacular, and not only to record the song, but also make a music video,” said Lombard.
“We approached artist Rene Blaauw to be the male vocalist and he immediately agreed.”
Kenneth van Zyl (Kaptured Concepts) was the director and editor.
Geran and Michelle Raath and their daughters from Skullpt Studio assisted with make-up and all the camerawork. They also assisted with the location.
Armand Lombard, a local talent, assisted with all the professional drone footage.
Mrs Mpumalanga 2021, Provincial Mpumalanga MS 2021, and the provincial Mpumalanga finalists for 2022 were also part of this video, together with assistant organiser Zané Jansen van Rensburg.
In essence, the video’s purpose is to show the country that, irrespective of race, background or age, it is time to stand together and pray that God heals our land.
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“The song is about hope for our country, it is about diversity and how it can be used to heal instead of blaming one another,” said Lombard.
He explained that the flag is symbolic in that it is torn to pieces, but together with people who are willing to carry certain burdens, it all can be healed and put back together again.
“This project would not have been possible without the local businesses pitching in, and we really encourage people to watch the beginning of this music video that honours these businesses and sponsors.”
The Mpumalanga Youth Choir was able to survive Covid-19 in spite of all the obstacles that came with lockdown.
“They kept on practising online and after two years, we are so proud to say we still have our provincial choir together.
“We do, however, need funds for these kids to start performing again all over the country and later, internationally.”
If you want to get involved, contact Lombard on 076 424 8042.
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