I just listened to the final master for my soundtrack to Beat the World. While I have to say I had many highlights and wonderful experiences working with the different artists from around the world, the two souls that really touched my heart were the petite, Nigerian-born powerhouse Nneka and the sweet, elder son of the legendary Bob Marley – Ziggy Marley. The song we did together, “Express Yourself,” is also the one that resonates the most to me on a personal level, and feels the most universal.
I originally wrote the song for a montage of the three main characters in the film dancing on rooftops in their respective home towns around the world – Berlin, Toronto and Rio de Janeiro. Each was dancing to work through an emotional challenge or setback. I wanted to capture the essential need we have as people to express ourselves through whatever means we can – dancing, art, singing; to use our inner creativity to move our emotions through our bodies. Both Ziggy and Nneka are true artists and great teachers in that way. They are dedicated to the truth – both to their own voice and to giving voice to those who are too often afraid to speak. Each word comes direct from the heart, uncensored, and resonates with anyone open to listen.
It was a true honor to work with such amazing talents and beautiful individuals. Their words, their energy, and their voices not only gave my and the director’s (Robert Adetuyis) original visions a life; they took it to a whole other level. For that, I feel blessed and grateful, and proud to be able to finally share “Express Yourself” with the world.
I would be remiss, however, if I didn’t also give praise and thanks to my musical brother Eeday, who gave his beautiful voice and spirit to the choruses of “Express Yourself.” Although lesser known to the world, Eeday shined through and brought the third element to this international collaboration (Jamaica, Nigeria and the US).
So if you are feeling stuck, silenced, mad, sad or happy – take a moment and Express Yourself. And if you need a little motivation to get you started, give a listen as Nneka, Ziggy and Eeday show you how it’s done.
