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2020vision Merchants Connected Archives IRSCSophia Ben-Yousef featured on Libya TV
Year 11 Merchant Taylors' girl, Sophia Ben-Yousef has been featured on Libya TV for writing and producing a song called ‘Carry On' which was inspired by last year's Arab Spring uprising that had a profound personal impact on her family in Libya.
The 15 year old singer/songwriter, who also plays the piano and guitar, has written several songs usually inspired by every day events in teenage life. ‘Carry On', however, has stood out in her performances and has brought the musical teenager into the spotlight.
Sherif Dhaimish of Libya TV wrote, "Sophia sings about the affect of the revolution on her loved ones, and the positives to emerge at the end of the uprising through her emotive lyrics and flawless piano melody."
When writing her music, Sophia has been inspired by an array of musicians from Emilie Sandé, Ludovico Einaudi, Alicia Keys, Muse and the Foo Fighters to Miles Davies, Oscar Peterson and Nina Simone. These influences can all be heard in Sophia's own self-expressive and informal musical style.
Since her first public performance in April 2012, her soulful and jazz-like voice has attracted a lot of attention, even catching the eye of some US artists and producers. Sophia has already performed with Jo Bywater and Rob Vincent. The song that was shown on Libya TV was performed at the View Two Gallery, Liverpool on 28 September 2012.
Her parents are extremely excited about Sophia's music and ‘Carry On' in particular. Mr and Mrs Ben-Yousef said, "We are very proud of Sophia, who has written and produced this wonderful song that has a very emotional connection for us, as we think about our family in Tripoli, Libya."
This song has given Sophia the opportunity to showcase her talent as well as highlight a touching personal account of the revolution in Libya. The singer/songwriter currently sings at venues all over Merseyside and West Lancashire and is now looking to perform further afield and develop new audiences.