Expressing Our Gratitude
Released on Canada Day 2022, Thankful is a hip-hop music video that expresses gratitude for the gift of peace and freedom and encourages year-round remembrance.
Written and performed by three Toronto-based artists, Thankful has lyrics in English, French, and Anishinaabemowin. Filmed by a team of media graduates in Toronto’s Riverdale Park, Thankful showcases Canadian veterans from the Second World War to recent conflicts (such as Afghanistan) and includes people of all ages.
Artwork by – Joey Rose
‘Thankful’ Full Song
‘Thankful’ Chorus
Behind The Scenes
Meet The Team
The Artists
Cuban-born Yan Carlos (known as “Yanzzy”), is a singer, songwriter, and music producer whose lyrics, based on feelings and emotions, always have a story to tell. Yanzzy’s grandfather and uncle served in the military during Cuba’s mission in Angola. His step-grandfather served in the Second World War. Yanzzy’s lyrics for this song are inspired by his relatives’ military service.
Joey (known as “Joey Rose”) is a Toronto-born hip hop artist who finds inspiration in overcoming situational and mental health challenges. His lyrics range from catchy anthems to introspective reflections to intricate rap verses. Mentored from a young age by a member of Canada’s military, Joey knows “what it feels like to have someone close to you posted in places like Bosnia and Serbia.” He wants to pay forward what was given to him and dedicates these lyrics to his father figure, James.
Lena is a First Nations Anishinaabe singer, songwriter from Wiikwemkoong on Manitoulin Island who lives in Toronto-Tkaronto. Lena won the Native-American Music Award’s “Best Spoken Word Recording” in 2013 following a mentorship from Buffy Sainte Marie. She has collaborated on albums with Toronto artists Borelson and Beny Es Guerra. Her album, “I Am Woman, Kwe,” was released in 2012. Lena’s lyrics reflect being a descendent of a War Chief and honour the contributions of First Nations Veterans.
The Production Team
“We want Thankful to be an engaging and fun video that captures young people’s attention. We want this music video to be inspiring.”
Kenesha JohnsonCreative Concept, Direction
Karen is an adventurer, writer, and social entrepreneur. Born in the ‘50’s, her background was influenced by her parents’ war-time experience. Later in life, her spiritual adventures, such as climbing Kilimanjaro and walking The Camino de Santiago, drew her to create the not-for-profit event, In Our Fathers’ Footsteps: A Dutch Liberation Pilgrimage, which was postponed in Feb.2020 by the pandemic. She then created the registered charity The Canadian Remembrance Torch to inspire—especially among youth—a year-round appreciation of the sacrifices that have been made (and continue to be made) for our peace and freedom.
Samantha “Sam” is a recent Honours graduate of Centennial College’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television, Film & Digital Media program where she adored creating live productions and developed a passion for post-production. Notable credits include video producing “L’incoronazione di Poppea” for FIO Italia, editing for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s “2021 Ontario Business Achievement Awards,” then colouring and creating graphics for the upcoming “Hospitality TV” pilot.
Juliana, a recent Honours graduate of Centennial College’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television, Film & Digital Media program, was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Her dream to study abroad led her to obtain a Brazilian-American diploma so she could study in Canada. Juliana has produced documentaries, short films, commercials, PSAs, and music videos. Her passion for the industry drives her to experiment in new areas and tackle projects that challenge her.
Kenesha (known as “Keekz”) is a visual storyteller and recent graduate of Centennial College’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television, Film & Digital Media program. As an executive producer and talk show host, as well as a music video and documentary director, Kenesha thrives on sharing different perspectives. Her show, Talkin Hip Hop with Just Keekz serves as a platform for emerging Toronto artists to gain recognition. Her short documentary, Upcoming in the City, won a Donny Award.
Ferdinand “Ferd” is a recent graduate of Centennial College’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television, Film & Digital Media program. Born and raised in Scarborough, Ferd has always loved being behind the camera, even if just a camcorder or cellphone. Ferd loves to share people’s stories, especially ones that haven’t been heard before. Now as a freelance filmmaker, he’s turned his passion into a career.
Hakan is a recent graduate of Centennial College’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television, Film & Digital Media program. Born and raised in Turkey, Hakan is a freelance videographer with a passion for shooting automotive projects. Some notable credits include Director of Photography for “Famiglia”, “Secrets of a Modern Family” and “Promenade.”
Julie is a recent graduate of Centennial College’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television, Film & Digital Media program. Born in China and raised in Toronto, Julie works in the wardrobe department of a film production company. Julie thrives on making new friendships and hopes one day to be a costume designer.
The Lyrics
Intro (Yanzzy)
Every time that you leave me babe,
I don’t know where you go no more.
Every time that I see you back,
I don’t know where you go.
If I,
Am alone in this world can’t deny,
that you’re by my side …
that you’re by my side.
Breakdown (Joey)
I got family at home and
I got kids that wanna thrive ….
gotta stay alive.
I am loyal, not alone and
I got feelings deep inside …
gotta stay alive.
I can’t wait to feel my people,
see the love inside their eyes …
gotta stay alive.
All I want is to protect
my people with me in the hive …
gotta stay alive …
Verse (Joey)
I’m ready
I got hope
I keep it steady when I drive the boat
Always got the people round to stay afloat
Always got the people home to help me cope
I love you all
I’ll let you know
Love you all, can’t let it go
Love the world, let’s drop the weapons
Throwing fear out the door
I think of everything we did
Giving hope
To the kids
We so grateful and so thankful for the ones who gave the most
I’ll give it back, I promise, woah
Chorus (Yanzzy, Joey, Lena)
We’re so thankful
We’re so grateful
The world can be hateful
I don’t need to say more
I can’t show weakness
Ima just stay strong
With all my people
I know that I can’t go wrong
Verse (Lena)
Miigwetch Zhimaaginish – thank you soldiers
Miigwetch Ogitchitaa – thank you warriors
Miigwetch aanikoobijigan – thank you ancestors
Ganawenjigaade Shkagamikwe- Mother Earth is protected
zaam zhaahi-zhiwebak miigaadiiwag chi waasa chigaaming – because they fought overseas
Giganawenjigaazomin endaaso giizhigad omaa – we are protected everyday here
mikwendaagozi – to remember
mikwenim ogitchitaawag – remember warriors
mikwenim zhimaaganishak – remember soldiers
miigwetchiwendam aki – thankful for this earth
miigwetchiwendam ganawenjigaazo – thankful to be protected
zaam gaye wiinawaa zhaazhi-miigaadi – because they too went to battle
miigwetch – thank you
miigwetch – thank you
miigwetch – thank you
miigwetch – thank you
Verse (Joey)
Papa je t’aime – Daddy, I love you
Maman je t’aime – Mommy, I love you
Je suis enfant – I’m just a child
Mais je connais quand même – But I still know
On n’est pas ensemble – We are not together
Ceci est mon poème – This is my poem
Moi j’ai grandi – I’ve grown up
Petit graine que tu as semée– Little seed that you sowed
On n’a pas de problèmes – Everything will be okay
Chorus (Yanzzy, Joey, Lena)
We’re so thankful
We’re so grateful
The world can be hateful
I don’t need to say more
I can’t show weakness
Ima just stay strong
With all my people
I know that I can’t go wrong
