On Monday, the Alpes-Maritimes department unveiled a single that pays tribute to the lives and landscapes destroyed. Athletes, singers, actors, and even a freediving champion participated in its creation. The proceeds will go towards rebuilding the affected villages.
“We will sing for the villages in our valleys!” The last line of the song summarizes the entire piece. All the celebrities featured on this track responded favorably without hesitation. This song might especially take you aback initially. “When I heard this track, it honestly moved me deeply. Just hearing those voices expressing all the solidarity and unity with those affected gave me chills. I’m sure the rhythm of the song will lead to success,” explains Stéphane Brunello, the composer of the lyrics, with emotion.
A Panel of Celebrities from All Walks of Life
Didier Deschamps, Noëlle Perna nicknamed Mado la Niçoise, Michel Boujenah, Stéphanie Parja Medi… Their common point: they were all contacted by Gil Marsalla to contribute to improving the lives of the inhabitants. Mado is ready to lend her support in her own way. “I want to contribute my mite,” she says very naturally. “Immediately, it sticks in your mind as soon as we recorded it, and it stays until death do us part.” Medi was also captivated by the project. He saw his friends get involved in the project and responded favorably straight away. “I don’t see how one could say no to a project like this. We’re here to deliver a message of solidarity to our community.”
A Project That Came Together Naturally
Stéphane admits that he had no difficulty in carrying it out. Immediately, he felt the impulse that the project generated. “We felt an energy that flowed between us, even with the performers.” To find those who would sing, he notes that the choices were “easy.” They came one by one for the recording. Prescilla Betti described this process as child’s play. “I was lucky to start the day first. The song swept me away so much. I felt a wave of support that freed me and allowed me to sing with my soul. It all took three takes.“
The Desire to Help and Contribute to Renewal
Before presenting it, the president of the department, Charles-Ange Ginesy, reminded everyone of the colossal damage caused by Storm Alex. “Nine people died in the Vésubie and Roya valleys, and nine people are still missing. Hundreds of years of culture and traditions were swept away. It’s about rebuilding roads and a territory.” Carla, who represented France at Junior Eurovision 2020, witnessed the extent of the storm’s effects. She visited a school in the Roya. “It was important for me to go to our valleys and see all these children. Seeing these images touched me. It was a great moment of emotion with the mayor of Breil-sur-Roya, Sébastien Olharan, as well as in Tende.“
If you want to buy the “nos Vallées” album, you can purchase it on all music streaming platforms for 1.29 euros. It is also possible to download it for free via the Alpes-Maritimes department’s website.
