Marrying the past with the present, local tenor Cliff Zammit Stevens has extended on turning childhood troubles into a fruitful new foundation by reimagining his mother’s favourite song, the classic 1970s tune Xemx.

Launched over a week ago, the song features vocals by Eurovision alum Ira Losco, and has dominated the local iTunes chart, maintaining its number one spot since its release. And now, the singing duo have released a poignant video to match the iconic cover.

Taking to the quaint streets of Malta, the music video features Cliff walking alongside caricatures of the so-called ‘Five Pillars’ of his new Marcy Foundation, formed earlier last week in memory of his mother Marcelline.

He is soon joined by Ira Losco herself, where the two wander through the streets in greyscale coming face to face with each personification: child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, living with HIV, and mental health issues.

Together, the two are seen comforting each representation of the Pillars, clothed with a paper bag to cover their face in shame. In time, each personification gains the confidence to take the bag off, revealing their faces in hope as the video turns to colour.

“At first glance, all of these victims seem absolutely fine,” said Zammit Stevens, “but when you take a closer look, they are actually representing the way they are feeling,” referring to the paper bags. “Thankfully, by the end of the video they break away from their problems, survive and become stronger. Xemx is definitely a message of hope.”

Family members of Zammit Stevens also make an appearance in the music video, including local weightlifter Yazmin Zammit Stevens, and fashion blogger Jade Zammit Stevens. The music video itself was directed by Matthew Muscat-Drago, and the cover song was produced by Howard Keith and Bettina Cassar.

The new cover of Xemx forms part of collective fundraising for The Marcy Foundation, which was was officiated two weeks ago longside his cousin, Martina Borg Stevens, and his aunt, Estelle Borg. The Foundation will tackle one of its Five Pillars in rotation over the next five years, starting with domestic violence planned as the first topic to be addressed.

Xemx is available on iTunes right now. All proceeds from the sale of Xemx will go to The Marcy Foundation. The song will be additionally be performed live at The Cliff Zammit Stevens 10th Anniversary Concert on 3rd October 2018 in St. George’s Square, Valletta; tickets for the event can be purchased here.

You can download Xemx from iTunes right here!

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Matthew Baldacchino

Self-titled resident SJW and expressionless in-house Head of Internal Marketing. Matt loves prepping vegan and vegetarian food, consumes way too much coffee, and has an unhealthy penchant for storyboarded Instagram Stories. When he's not trying to figure out social media policies, marketing strategies or cracking SEO conundrums, you can catch him as the host of Basically, Livestream Of Consciousness or Lovin Daily. Hit him up if you've got a story about the environment, arts and culture, health, politics and activism, or LGBTQI+ issues. He's also a doctor, but we don't talk about that.