Ed Sheeran at the previous Brit Awards. Photo EFE
Ed Sheeran and the Ukrainian band Antytila, whose members are currently on the front line fighting for their country, collaborated on a new version of the song 2 steps of British musicians, whose proceeds will go to help the people of Ukraine.
The single, accompanied by a video recorded in part during the war, was shown Monday and It already has over a million views on YouTube.
Sheeran sings in English while Antytila singer Taras Topolya contributes verses in Ukrainian. As he explained to the British media, the lyrics were inspired by his own story and that of many other families where the men remained to fight for their country, while their relatives emigrated.
Ed Sheeran. Photo by Reuters
The idea for the collaboration was formed after the organizers of a recent fundraising concert for Ukraine in England rejected Antytila’s offer to participate via videoconference, on the grounds that they were in the military and it was a humanitarian event.
Sheeran’s gesture
Topolya told the BBC that Sheeran’s team had contacted the Ukrainian group and the idea of doing something together emerged. And he added that he recorded his share when he was working as a medical assistant in front of Borodyanka, near kyiv.
“The video raises awareness of the situation in Ukraine and this process is ongoing,” the Ukrainian vocalist told the British public broadcaster. “I am very happy that a famous singer supports the Ukrainians,” he added.
“Ed Sheeran, his team and others understand that we need help and support to survive and win. And I’m so grateful to them,” the singer said.
Ed Sheeran in 2021. AP Photo
He was also optimistic about the conflict in Russia: “We remain hopeful that one day we will win, we will meet at a stadium in Ukraine and invite many people from around the world to celebrate.”
The other one 2 stepsin solidarity also with Ukraine
It’s worth remembering that just over a week ago, Sheeran released the first reversal of 2Steps with rapper Lil Baby. The song also premiered a video clip shot in Ukraine but before the war broke out.
The proceeds are also used to help Ukraine, more specifically the DEC, an Emergency Committee for Disasters that brings together several NGOs in the United Kingdom.
The video, about 3 and a half minutes long and directed by Henry Scholfield (he filmed several videos of Dua Lipa), begins with a black and white plaque on which a message signed by Sheeran is read.
“This is the first time I have visited the country and I felt very welcome during my time there, from the production team to everyone I encountered on my days off,” the plaque read. “Ukraine is a proud and stable country, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to shoot my video there,” the Grammy winner’s message read.
The song 2 steps It first appeared on his latest album “=” (whose translation is “equivalent”), from 2021. According to various media, Sheeran plans to produce more versions of 2 steps along with other artists from Finland, Italy, Sweden, Australia, France, Ireland and Brazil.
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Source: Clarin
