“This story was initially published as part of the The International People’s Platform for Climate Justice project”
I wrote Rebirth to speak to the need and ability to be reborn out of the climate crisis. To draw attention to the fact that we have the power to create and forge a new society and way of being whereby social, ecological, and climate justice can be achieved.
The piece starts with two repetitive chords looped throughout most of the piece. The repeating chords speak to the historical injustices that have caused the crisis alongside the difficulty humans face with the inevitability of some irreversible climate and ecological impacts – some of which are already being felt now, especially in places like South Africa. On top of these chords is a melody that tells the story of a journey of change. A journey with highs and lows.
The variations (and repetition) in the melody signify challenges, solutions, hopes, fears, and the power of the human spirit. Eventually, the hints of hopefulness in the melody finally overcome the melody, transitioning the piece into its final section which represents the overcoming of crisis and the rebirth of a new and better, climate-resilient society.
The piece was recorded and filmed at the Lion’s Head, Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, South Africa, using a solar panel (with a battery) to power the keyboard. This was deliberately chosen to showcase the beauty and solutions that exist within our relationship with our environment, and how technology such as renewable energy can aid a broader paradigm shift.