“Express Yourself” by the American International School of Lusaka | Inspired by Playing For Change

Chel Illingworth and the 10th Grade Music class at the American International School of Lusaka, Zambia, came across the Playing for Change Video “Stand by Me” as their 10th grade music class had been working to come up with project ideas. The students were so inspired by the video that wanted to make their own. They chose to use the classic soul song “Express yourself” by Charles Wright, who graciously allowed them to use his song.

The students contacted some of Lusaka’s best musicians from traditional groups, soul, gospel and jazz. The musicians came to our school, gave clinics and each recorded a track for the song. The students sang, danced, played, interacted with and learned from these great musicians.

In the end they had a dozen audio and video tracks that they then mixed and edited to create the video. They held a fundraiser concert with all of the musicians and performed “Express Yourself”. It was a wonderful experience for all involved.