American singer-songwriter and philanthropist Hilary Roberts has kicked off 2024 with “Better Than This”, a powerful, moving anthem featuring gospel powerhouse Brenda Ellis. Released on Martin Luther King Day (15th January) via Hilary’s own record label Red Songbird, “Better Than This’ ‘ is a passionate, honest expression of past racial injustice and oppression, positively striving towards progressive change and togetherness.
Roberts has now revealed a reflective music video for “Better Than This” which drops significantly in time for Black History Month. Whilst boldly emphasizing the single’s key issues and message, it provides a perfect visual interpretation of its triumphant tone and miraculous call for unity. Portraying several different time zones, the video opens with poignant black-and-white clips of protestors from the American Civil Rights Movement of the 60s and candid recording studio footage from the present, featuring Roberts, Brenda Ellis and producer Damon Sharpe.
The video captures symbolic moments throughout history, not shying away from displaying the ongoing oppression in America in its entirety. It boldly shines a light on violence and white supremacy, reflecting on issues that are still strikingly relevant today. However, the video results in uplifting, captivating footage of peaceful protests towards the end, which perfectly intertwines with clips of a choir recording gospel-esque vocals. This display of equality demonstrates the way forward in a simple, soul-stirring statement that we are visibly better together – we are ultimately “better than this.”
Unforgettable and heartfelt, this reflective video acts as an uplifting call to move on from hatred. Whilst this is bound to inspire individuals across America and beyond, for now it will leave viewers in high spirits, spreading awareness for promising change and progression towards a more equal society.