Year 2025 participants on the CYDEP (Christian Youth Development and Empowerment Program-hosted by Brunstad Christian Church South Africa), embraced the challenge of creating a music video as a group portfolio project. As seen in previous years, creating a music video has a unifying effect on the participants. The goal of the project is not only to create a well-made, visually appealing video of the CYDEP choir performing their unique song, but the involvement of the group in every step of the creative process is of utmost importance.
“Every step of the creative process” means experiencing the entire planning procedure; writing lyrics for the song; composing the music; choregraphing the dance and drum arrangement; brainstorming costume designs; being part of the filming; editing the music video and attending all the practices.
The group’s involvement and commitment to the project is evident in the way they took ownership of it and by the sense of accomplishment they experienced on completion of the video. Through collaboration, the project brought unity to the group and proved to participants what teamwork, commitment and consistent practise can achieve.
The song is called: “It’s Time” and the video has been posted on YouTube. It will also be showcased at their graduation ceremony in November alongside three other songs they have prepared. This project is one of the highlights of the 2025 year for the participants on the CYDEP and will be a wonderful “take home” for them at the end of the program as a lasting memory of “their song” – “It’s Time”.