Just in time for the midterm elections in the U.S., Shawn Mendes and Khalid have released an inspiring music video for their adolescent anthem “Youth.” Writing the duet for Mendes’ self-titled third studio album, which dropped in May, the pair channel their pain over racism, sexism, the increase in gun violence in American schools, as well as the terrifying new immigration policy set forward by the Trump administration, to fuel their new single.
Dropping visuals to match the song’s call to action, Mendes and Khalid share their screen time with a long list of children, teens, and young adults who are breaking down barriers and excelling in the face of obstacles. A champion wrestler who’s also a double amputee, a performer who doesn’t have the typical ballerina body, a cancer researcher who’s only 21 years old, and a young dancer who’s hearing impaired are just some of the youths featured in the new music video.
Filmed throughout New York City, the video boasts a number of stunning shots. One image in particular that stands out is of a Muslim teen praying in front of the Statute of Liberty. The end credits featuring each performer’s name, age, and specialty reveal that the teen was arrested for bringing a homemade clock to school.
The new video for “Youth” is the latest impactful statement Mendes and Khalid have made with the song. The pair performed the duet earlier this year at the Billboard Music Awards, where they were joined on stage by choir members of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where seventeen students and faculty members were killed by another student.
Mendes has been one of the many Canadians calling on Americans to vote in the election on November 6.
Fellow pop star Justin Bieber has also spoken out about the U.S. election, encouraging his American fans to vote.
Living in the US I see how this country affects not only people here but all around the world. There are so many things people need help with that I hope all of you who can get out and Vote and make your voices heard. I would if I could 🙂
Mendes’ is one of the many celebs who have been inspired to get political for the first time with the upcoming election. His tourmate and friend Taylor Swift has famously broken her no-politics rule this year to encourage people to vote. And let’s be honest. If Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber, and Taylor Swift can’t get the 18 to 29-year-olds to vote, who can?
