North-west London Jewish teens release mental health single for charity

The group, aged 13 to 19, recorded their first single ‘Strong’ with a view to raising money for YoungMinds and Grief Encounter

Jewish teens from north-west London climbed up the iTunes Top 40 Pop chart this week after their lockdown charity song about fighting mental ill health proved an overnight success.

The group, aged 13 to 19, recorded their first single ‘Strong’ with a view to raising money for YoungMinds and Grief Encounter, two British charities, and this week shared in disbelief as it reached nineteenth in the well-watched list.

Generation Z formed during lockdown and is comprised of Olivia Lynn, 14; Joe Taylor, 16; Amy Boujenah, 17; Oliver Joseph, 13; Molly Lane, 18; Hannah Sugars, 16; Izzy Grant, 15; Alfie Mack, 16; Sofia Arnaldi, 19; and Maddie Curzon, 14.

The song was released on Friday with lyrics reflecting the teenagers’ own personal stories and feelings on coping during lockdown. Many were preparing to sit GSCE and A-level exams when the nation was ordered indoors.

Boujenah said: “Our hope is that ‘Strong’ resonates with young people around the UK and lets them know they are not alone. Lockdown has had such a huge impact on all of our mental health, but we want to show that we have, and will, come out stronger, and more resilient, because of it.”