Rhythm Nation (Uniting Voices Chicago)

Our performance of Rhythm Nation was named Best of Chicago in the category of Best Original Digital Content (Dance)! Thank you to everyone who voted for us!

From our Black History Month concert: Remembering, Reclaiming Reconnecting "Rhythm Nation," performed by Chicago Children's Choir. Song by Janet Jackson, James "Jimmy Jam" Harris III and Terry Lewis, arrangement by Lonnie Norwood Jr. and Farlanda Buchannon. Choreography by Farlanda Buchannon including soloist Aniyah Chase-Mayfield; backing vocals Ella Anello and Gretchen Steele.

Janet Jackson created the song and music video in response to various tragedies in the media (particularly the Cleveland Elementary School shooting in 1989). The video portrays a "post apocalyptic" warehouse setting, with Jackson and her dancers dressed in military attire. It was filmed in black-and-white to portray the song's theme of racial harmony. Jackson's record label attempted to persuade her against filming the video, but upon her insistence it became "the most far reaching single project the company has ever attempted."