STYLE: World RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 50040-14731 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Single ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by George Luke
In recent years, a slew of former war children from Africa have become media celebrities. We've already heard the heart-rending, inspiring life stories of ex-child soldiers Emmanuel Jal and Ishmael Beah; and now here's another. Moses is a young albino lad born in Liberia at the height of civil war in that country (which eventually spilled over to its neighbour, Sierra Leone). He and his mum fled Liberia for the Ivory Coast when he was two, and when he was 15 a hit-and-run driver left him for dead. Four years later, his singing talents were discovered when he won a talent contest co-funded by the UK and the Liberian Government. This is his debut single. If you've ever listened to Wyclef Jean you'll have some idea of what to expect here, as this is similar in style; obviously inspired by American soul, but with a definite Afro-Caribbean slant, especially in the voice, which doesn't sing so much as cry. The song's title pretty much tells you what it's about as far as its message goes: a simple exhortation to keep going when things get tough. A choir made up of Liberian ex-child soldiers provide backing vocals, their presence making the whole thing that little bit more poignant.
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beautiful and inspiring