GIN PAPALI'I - THIS IS ME (GOSPEL VERSION)

Samoan gospel singer Gin Papali'i has released her gospel rendition of the popular 'Greatest Showman' track 'This is Me'.

She shares why this song is so special to her below - 

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From Gin: 

This single is a tribute to one of my favourite songs: 

“This Is Me” originally from the movie ‘The Greatest Showman’

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Not only do I feel that some of my life experiences are expressed through these lyrics, but I was fortunate to record a gospel version of this song with some of the best gospel musicians in Aotearoa, NZ

A tribute to my roots and to one of my all-time favourite genres (gospel music) ❤️

The message of this song is near and dear to my heart. After suffering from severe burnout, anxiety and depression in 2014 I started on anti depressants, which helped my mental health

However, one of the side effects was weight gain, and from this point I almost doubled my body size

This unfortunately led to more health problems, which have in turn made life very difficult.

While I continue to deal with my health, perhaps what is harder to endure is the harsh treatment at times, from others.

People can be nasty when they see your body has changed, and their words can be cruel. Society is not kind to ‘bigger’ people.

I was told I would have to lose weight in order to be successful in the music industry. That I would have to have a ‘certain look’ in order for people to like me and my music.

For a long time I was afraid to follow my dream to be a solo artist, because I no longer looked how I used to. I was afraid of what people would say when they saw my photos and music videos.

So I kept thinking, “I’ll just wait till I lose weight to pursue my dream”

But then someone dear to me reminded me that I was speaking down to myself in the same way that others had.

So from that day I decided to go ahead and follow my dreams. To make my own opportunities and make music that I love.

Your struggles may be different to mine, perhaps there is something else that gets you down. I hope this song encourages someone out there who needs to hear it.

No matter what others may say - you are loved, you are amazing and you are MORE than enough ❤️

I am now on my own journey of learning to love and accept myself, after being conditioned for so many years to do the very opposite.

Will you join me on this journey?

To say to the world (and more importantly - To ourselves) .

“THIS IS ME”. . .

Much love,

GIN ♥