Commissioned by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the song features contributions from each of the three monotheistic faiths, with Jewish, Christian, and Muslim instrumentalists and vocalists all involved.
The project was led by Rabbi Hannah Kingston from the Alyth Synagogue, who shared the genesis of the collaboration.
“The aim of this project was to bring people of different faiths together to work towards a common goal, writing and performing a song. This project has achieved so much more than this,” said Rabbi Kingston.
“It has given us a chance to discover our similarities and celebrate our differences, to create genuine friendships and meaningful connections. During an uncertain time in our world, working together on this project has given us a sense of solidarity, so we can be truly united in our song.”
In a moment of fortune while the artists were filming scenes for the music video, Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, happened to be walking past the Ismaili Centre. He was asked to join the recording and was happy to do so, being a longtime friend of the Ismaili Community in the UK jurisdiction.
Sadiq Khan, London’s first Muslim Mayor, has visited the Ismaili Centre before, and was present at the inauguration of the Aga Khan Centre during Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee visit to the UK.
Each of the three communities brought their own flavour to the composition, with different musical influences weaved together to make a diverse yet harmonious sound. Due to Covid restrictions, the song was conceived and worked on virtually by those involved.
Alison Fisher from St Mary-at-Finchley Church spoke of the experience of the creative process, and the monotheistic message offered.
“Taking a part in the initiative has been amazing, and we hope this new song, from the three Abrahamic faiths, will bring us all together in love, joy, peace, and above all harmony,” she said.
Fahreen Virani Pithia, a member of the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board in the UK, who appears as a vocalist in the song, spoke of the aims of the project, and the pleasing end result.
“The initial brief to the musical director and producer was to create a catchy, fun song and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved. We feel so proud and the positive response has been overwhelming.”
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View the music video of United in Our Song, and the entire The Ismaili Sounds collection.
