Voices of Freedom
| Cover art for "Voix pour la Liberté" | |
| Single by Les Étoiles Unies | |
|---|---|
| Released | 23.XV1736 AN |
| Recorded | 19-21.XV.1736 AN |
| Studio | Soleil Studios, Punta Santiago |
| Genre | Pop, Charity single |
| Length | 6:22 |
| Label | Alexandrian Records |
| Songwriter(s) | Jean-Paul Dubois, Maria Huamán |
| Producer(s) | Luc Falkirk |
"Voix pour la Liberté" (Voices for Freedom) is a charity single recorded by the supergroup Les Étoiles Unies (The United Stars) to raise funds for the Louisian Relief Fund. Released on 23.XIII.1736 AN, the song quickly became a cultural phenomenon in Nouvelle Alexandrie, drawing attention to the plight of the Louisian people in the United Principalities.
Background and recording
Following the publication of Wolfgang Arnholtz's exposé "The Plight of the Louisians" and the subsequent diplomatic tensions between Nouvelle Alexandrie and the United Principalities of Cibola, popular New Alexandrian singer-songwriter Jean-Paul Dubois proposed the idea of a charity single to raise awareness and funds. Dubois collaborated with Wechua folk singer Maria Huamán to compose a bilingual anthem that would resonate with the diverse population of Nouvelle Alexandrie. The recording took place over three days at Soleil Studios in Punta Santiago, bringing together 25 of Nouvelle Alexandrie's most prominent musicians from various genres and cultural backgrounds. The supergroup, dubbed "Les Étoiles Unies," included artists singing in Alexandrian, Wechua, and Babkhi.
Composition and lyrics
"Voix pour la Liberté" is a 6-minute and 22-second pop ballad. The song begins with a solo charango (a Wechua string instrument) introduction, gradually building to a full orchestral arrangement. The lyrics alternate between Alexandrian, Wechua, and Babkhi, with a powerful Alexandrian chorus:
| Alexandrian lyrics | Common Tongue translation |
|---|---|
| Nos voix s'élèvent pour la liberté Pour nos frères et sœurs oubliés Un jour, nous serons tous réunis Louisiens, vous n'êtes pas seuls aujourd'hui |
Our voices rise for freedom For our forgotten brothers and sisters One day, we will all be reunited Louisians, you are not alone today |
Music video
The music video, directed by renowned Alexandrian filmmaker Andrea Sophie Denueve, features the artists recording in the studio interspersed with scenes depicting Louisian culture and history. The video concludes with a montage of New Alexandrians from all walks of life singing the chorus, symbolizing national unity in support of the Louisian cause.
Reception and impact
"Voix pour la Liberté" debuted at number one on the Nouvelle Alexandrie Hot 100 chart and remained there for eight consecutive weeks. The single sold over 2 million copies in its first month, with all proceeds going to the Louisian Relief Fund. The success of "Voix pour la Liberté" led to a televised benefit concert in Cárdenas on 5.I.1737 AN, which raised a whopping NAX€ 185 million for the Louisian Relief Fund.
Personnel
- Jean-Paul Dubois – lead vocals, guitar
- Maria Huamán – lead vocals, charango
- Ahmed al-Jabri – vocals (Babkhi verse)
- Eddy Plolz – vocals, drums
- J-Boricua - vocals
- Lenin - vocals
- Renata Flores - vocals
- Sylvia Marais - vocals, piano
- Leslie Loup - vocals
- Marketa Piaget - vocals
- Vivienne Denueve - vocals, pinao
- Frank Caliente – guitar
- Yma Sumac – vocals
- Gustavo Dudamel – orchestra conductor
Charts
|
Nouvelle Alexandrie Hot 100
Natopia Singles Chart
Oportian Top 40
