Alicia Keys is sparking change with her voice in her new video, “We Are Here.”
Reflecting on the rising violence all over, the expecting mother keeps her visual simple while calling for peace around the world.
“Our souls were brought together so that we could love each other, brother. We are here. We are here for all of us,” she sings while donning “Fallen” inspired braids with a 2014 twist of shaved sides. She also calls out particular parts of the worlds that need to rejoice in non-violence and end the brutal deaths that are occurring. “Let’s talk about Chi-town. Let’s talk about Gaza. Let’s talk about Israel—let’s talk Nigeria and the mass hysteria. Our souls are brought together, so that we can love each other.”
Keys posted on her Facebook, why she wrote her tranquility piece when she posted the visual to her powerful anthem.
“The day I wrote this song, I was sitting in a circle of people of all ages and we were asked, ‘Why are you here? Why am I here?? This really hit me on a deep level. I realized no one had ever asked me that question before. As I prepare to give birth to a new child, I can’t help and think about the world I’m bringing my baby into. No matter where we come from, when we see the state of the world today, we can all feel the growing frustration and desire to make a difference. And we all have a voice—we just need to know how to make it heard.”
Her piano-ballad is expected to appear on her upcoming album. Press play to listen to Keys belt out for peace.