As the world’s leaders descend on Glasgow to COP26, we regular folk watch from the sidelines wondering whether this fuel-guzzling, energy-using mammoth of a conference can possible work. We hope so and it’s hope that is also the driving force behind Nigerian artist Chibundu Onuzo‘s new single ‘Mama’, which personified the Mother Earth on whom we all rely to emphasise just how important it is for all people to make a change.
“I wrote Mama during the lockdown. I was reflecting on the state of the world and the direction humanity is heading in. I want a better world. I hope we can course-correct,” shares Onuzo.
The song itself is a heartfelt soulful pop ballad, one that begins slowly with a mournful piano and the singer’s emotive vocals. The familial imagery unfolds to reveal bolder statements about this urgent matter and the instrumentation bursts with all the intent of a cinematic anthem. In the song’s final moments, Onuzo repeats the first verse with even more articulated expression before asking the audience “where’s tomorrow’s seed?” This question lingers on in the silence and perhaps you the listener will take it home with you and ponder it some more.
You can also listen to ‘Mama’ in our Shades of Pop playlist.
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