A group of teenagers formed together over lockdown to write and perform their first ever charitable single.
Generation Z, a music group made up of teens living in Borehamwood, Elstree, and Shenley, have created Strong - a song reflecting the teenagers' own personal stories and experiences during the pandemic.
The single, which was released on August 21, was co-written and co-produced by Hampstead-based pianist Bryan Edery, Elstree's Daniella Joseph, and songwriter Perrie Young from Radlett.
It was shot over the summer in Waterlow Park in Highgate, north London.
The song, which is available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, YouTube and more, is in aid of two charities; mental health charity YoungMinds, and Grief Encounter which works to support bereaved children, youngsters, and their families.
In particular, the song tied in closely with the teens experience with GCSE and A-level exams and Generation Z member Amy Boujenah, 17, hopes the song will prove to be a positive and uplifting message.
She said: "Our hope is that Strong resonates with young people around the UK, and lets them know they are not alone. "Lockdown has had such a huge impact on all of our mental health, but we want to show that we have, and will, come out stronger, and more resilient, because of it."
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Fellow member, Joe, 16, had worked hard for his upcoming GCSE’s, and been looking forward to graduating secondary school and planning a packed summer of fun.
When exams were cancelled, he was devastated.
He said: "2020 has been a really tough year. What should have been the summer of my life was replaced with months of being locked away at home full of fear and anxiety. I missed the routine and structure of school and seeing all my friends. I’ve tried to keep busy and upbeat by writing and recording new music."
Olivia, 14, added: "I have suffered with my mental health due to bullying that I’d previously endured, which continued online during lockdown.
"So, when I had the opportunity to be a part of this song, I welcomed it. I can relate so much to the lyrics of our song, as I’m sure many others will too. At a time like this, we all need to stay strong and not let what’s happening stop us from being who we are and doing what we love."
Lead songwriter Perrie Young said: "Thanks to the kids’ initiative, belief and willpower to express themselves and make this record happen, I’m over the moon that there will be music out there that this generation, and future generations would be able to look back on and remember this challenging time.
"The mental health of children and young adults has been, and sadly will continue to be, tested to the limits, long after Covid-19 has passed.
"It’s great that these kids will be raising money and awareness for YoungMinds and Grief Encounter, given what they’ve been through over the last six months."
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