Proceeds from song played at UAE Expo pavilion

A catchy rap number, Sara's Song, which is being played at the UAE Pavilion at the Milan Expo is now for sale on iTunes, with proceeds going to victims of Nepal's earthquakes.

The song comes from the short film The Family Tree, about the challenges overcome by past generations of Emiratis. It is being screened at the pavilion and has been seen by thousands of visitors each day.

The UAE team decided to launch the song on iTunes after numerous requests from Expo visitors for a copy.

"I saw the audience singing along with Sara's Song,” said Mahra Mustafa, 9, the Emirati actress who plays Sara in the film.

"People were joining in the chorus, they loved the song. I think kids will also really like the song, it's really fun. I feel really proud to be part of everything.”

Peter Vine, director of the UAE Pavilion Project in Milan, said the team there was delighted with its popularity.

"It has been an incredibly enthusiastic response, easily demonstrated by the visitors singing and dancing to Sara's Song,” he said.

"Many have asked for a copy of the song so we thought this would be the best way to do it.”

The song, available for Dh2.99, was released in English and Italian.

Soul singer Natalie Williams sang the English version, while the Italian version was by 12-year-old star Arianna Vignoli.

The song emphasises the interconnection between man, land and animals, and how, through the right choices, people can leave an environmental legacy for the next generation.

Dr Vine has a personal connection with Nepal.

His daughter was there during the earthquake that struck five days before the Expo launch on May 1.

Like thousands of anxious families he was unable to contact her for a few days.

"My daughter was caught up in the Nepal earthquakes just as we were about to open the pavilion,” he said.

"She then became involved in helping people to reconstruct their homes.

"We thought it would be good to support charities in Nepal that are working in this field.”

The song's lyrics urge people to unite for the common good of the planet:

So come on, stand up, shout out, let's go.

It ends with:

I believe, I care, I'll come with you

I'm in, I'm there, It's my planet too.
Source: The National