A collage of the artists who feature on "This Too Shall Pass".
A few months ago Patrick “Soljah” Farrell had an idea for a song. Like many other Virgin Islanders, Mr. Farrell was facing uncertainty as the VI, and the rest of the world, took on the coronavirus pandemic. Despite this uncertainty, he had hope. He believed that no matter the circumstances things would eventually get better. He also believed that the people of the Virgin Islands would persevere and overcome. And it is this message of hope that he wanted to covey in a song.
But that simple vision for a song of hope has transformed into so much more. Titled, “This Too Shall Pass”, the song brings together fifteen artists across the British and U.S. Virgin Islands. Written by Mr. Farrell and Luis Ible Jr., both from the island of St. Thomas, the Calypso song features other artists from St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda — exhibiting and encompassing the resilient spirit and togetherness of the Virgin Islands.
Although he initially intended for the song to be one of hope and encouragement for the people of the VI during Covid-19, Mr. Farrell said he quickly realized that it could be applied to any situation where things are tough.
“Anytime you have a significant event in your life that may be bringing you down, you can turn this music back on and say ‘you know what, this too shall pass.' So, it is a song of hope for any situation,” said Mr. Farrell.
His advice to anyone who is struggling during the pandemic, or any other situation is this: “Plain and simple, don’t be discouraged! Continue to have faith and hope, and one day we will see the sunlight.”
“This Too Shall Pass” will be released on the Consortium's Facebook platform this Friday at 7:30 p.m., with an accompanying video. Production of the song and video was sponsored Neville "Sheep" Smith, an At-Large representative in the BVI who also serves as deputy speaker of the house, and the USVI Department of Tourism.
The song features:
Patrick “Soljah” Farrell –STT
Malvern V. Gumbs –STT
Luis Ible Jr. –STT
M’Kayla “Kay Jalisa” Eustache –STT
Jeffrey “JC” Chandler III –STT
Chantal Harrigan –STX
Shereen “Queen Shereen” Flax-Charles –BVI
A.J. Ventura –STX
Lorna “Fox” Freeman –STT
Tishelle Knight –STJ
John Gotty –STJ
Daniella “Lioness” Richardson –STT
Ramon “Ramon G” George –BVI
Sista Joyce –BVI
Michonde Delauney –STX
