Grammy-nominated INALA and MBE-awarded Sisters Grimm are proud to announce that their ‘UK Art in Nature’ music video for the new song, ‘I Catch My Breath,’ co-written by Ella Spira MBE and Makeda Carbon, featuring Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, has received over 1 million views since its launch on May 10th.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as South Africa’s first black president after the end of Apartheid, this visionary animated music video showcases winning artworks themed around Hope and positive change, submitted by over 1,670 children and young people and engaging 1,071 schools across the UK. Featuring an original song by Grammy-nominated Ella Spira MBE and singer-songwriter Makeda Carbon, the video includes narration by Ndaba Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s grandson.
UK Art in Nature is a free, mass-participation social impact initiative that showcases the art of children and young people in Sisters Grimm’s esteemed online gallery and music video. All participants received a personalised, signed certificate of participation.
The program encourages individuals to interpret the theme of “Hope – unthinkable change can happen” and its connection to nature in unique and artistic ways. Through paintings and drawings to, mixed-media collages and 3D creations, participants can explore and express their boundless imagination.
Previous iterations of Art in Nature Global have garnered acclaim and amassed over 4.5 million views following its successful implementation in Australia and the UAE during the challenging times of the pandemic. Thousands of young individuals passionately engaged with the program, showcasing their nature-inspired artworks and embracing the critical messages conveyed by their respective countries’ themes.
Photo by @liezlzwarts
Photo by @liezlzwarts
Photo by @liezlzwarts
Photo by @liezlzwarts
Photo by @liezlzwarts
Photo by @liezlzwarts
This year, UK Art in Nature drew its inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary achievements and those who shattered the shackles of Apartheid. During his 27 years in prison, Mandela produced numerous artworks that symbolise resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit.
Across all ages and regions nationwide, over 70% of the diverse participants had no prior knowledge of Apartheid before engaging in the program, highlighting its educational impact.
Ella Spira MBE, also the producer and co-composer of the Global dance-musical phenomenon INALA—a Zulu ballet—had a transformative experience as a young girl when she watched 2 Mandela’s release and subsequent inauguration as South Africa’s president on live television. This experience drove her to collaborate with Joseph Shabalala, the founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, whom Mandela declared a national treasure. Their musical creation for the show received a Grammy nomination in 2016.
Ndaba Mandela Nelson Mandela’s grandson said of the programme:
“I am deeply honoured to support the UK Art In Nature program, presented by Sisters Grimm and their show INALA, a Zulu ballet. The theme of ‘HOPE – unthinkable change can happen’ reflects the resilience and determination needed to overcome the challenges of Apartheid. Accepting our past enables us to move forward and remain hopeful that positive change is achievable. This project embodies my grandfather Nelson Mandela’s spirit and values, inspiring young people to create a lasting impact on the world.”
Sisters Grimm continues to empower young people globally by providing them with access to artistic activities and industry insights. Through its inclusive and empowering approach, Sisters Grimm aims to help young people discover their path and purpose, fostering mental well-being, inclusivity, and equality.
Join Sisters Grimm and INALA in honouring Nelson Mandela’s legacy and inspiring the world to believe that change is possible.
WATCH MUSIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/dUkCWWwQ968?feature=shared
Sisters Grimm, a trailblazing social enterprise co-founded in 2009 by two mixed-heritage, multi- cultural females, former Royal Ballet dancer Pietra Mello-Pittman MBE and composer and painter Ella Spira MBE, is dedicated to reshaping the world through the arts. With a remarkable history of producing captivating live shows and immersive art experiences, Sisters Grimm has earned esteemed recognition, including a Grammy nomination and MBE honours for their outstanding contributions to the creative industries.
Central to Sisters Grimm’s ethos is youth engagement, focusing on empowering the next generation. Through free shows, workshops, and career guidance, over 12,000 children have already benefited from their free initiatives. Looking ahead, their ambitious Social Impact Program aims to reach an astounding 30,000 participants annually from Q1 2025, inspiring and nurturing young talent worldwide.