Shawn Mendes & Khalid Unveil Their Empowering “Youth” Video

Mike Nied | November 6, 2018 10:44 am
Shawn's Arty 'In My Blood' Video
Shawn Mendes weathers the elements in his conceptual 'In My Blood' video.

Shawn Mendes and Khalid highlight inspiring young people from around the globe in their “Youth” video. The powerful anthem landed on the “In My Blood” crooner’s self-titled album. Written shortly after the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London, it features a timely call for resilience in the face of tragedy. “Pain. But I won’t let it turn into hate. No, I won’t let it change me,” the duo declare. Although they premiered the song in May and performed it at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards, they waited until yesterday (November 5) to roll out the visual. Premiering just ahead of America’s midterm elections, taking place today, its message feels particularly important. The Anthony Mandler-directed release was shot in New York City and resonates with power.

Opening with a scene of a gun falling to the ground and shattering, the long-form release welcomes viewers into a revolution. It also introduces 30 young people – ranging from activists and athletes to artists and superheroes – who are changing the world. Interspersed between is footage of Shawn and Khalid singing along. The “Lost In Japan” star opened up about the inspiration in a press release. “For the ‘Youth’ video, we wanted to make something that would highlight and empower young people, by giving the stage to a group of extraordinary kids,” he explained. “Khalid and I wanted them to be the focus of the video, and to give them a platform, in the hope that it can inspire other young people to pursue what they love and use their voice.”

After premiering on Apple Music, the video has been made available on YouTube. Watch below.

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