LZ7 and the Redmans raise awareness of human trafficking

Momentum is gathering for a new single and tour from Matt and Beth Redman and LZ7 that highlights efforts to end human trafficking around the world.

“Twenty Seven Million” is out on 27 February and, as the title suggests, reflects the estimated 27 million people trapped in modern day slavery.

Tragically, it is estimated that only 1 to 2 per cent of victims are ever rescued.

The horrifying statistics were revealed to Beth by Christine Caine, founder of the A21 anti-trafficking campaign, a conversation which prompted her and husband Matt, and LZ7 to put together the song and do their bit for the cause.

Willie Weeks and Jorge Mhondera also contributed to the song, which tells the true story of a girl trafficked from Eastern Europe to London, where she was forced to be a sex worker.

The harrowing lyrics tell us: “Trapped in the night, trafficked and beaten / All a part of an evil economy / Nothing more than someone’s commodity / She’s numb, she’s dead from the inside out / Her heart is screaming but you don’t hear the shout.”

Caine said she was “excited beyond belief” by the release of the song.

“With the help of Matt and Beth Redman and LZ7 we want this song to awaken people to the reality of human trafficking – and then inspire and empower them to rise up against injustice, and fight for freedom," she said.

“It’s been said that music creates culture. Our hope is that this song will help create and enact a culture to do something about trafficking.”

The video for the song was recorded live before 45,000 students at the Passion 2012 conference in Atlanta, Georgia, last month.

The guitar used by Matt in the performance was painted specially for the occasion by acclaimed artist Natasha Kissell, who came to prominence after Charles Saatchi bought her entire Royal Academy graduation show in 2003.

The Redmans and LZ7 will perform the song on a four-date tour – Belfast’s Church of God on 18 February, Audacious in Manchester on 24 February, Hillsong London on 26 February and KingsGate Peterborough on 2 March.