Light It Up

Album: Peace is the Mission (2015)
Charted: 7 78
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Jamaican singer Nailah "Nyla" Thorbourne provides the vocals on this Peace Is The Mission track. She is a member of Jamaican R&B reggae fusion duo Brick & Lace along with her sister Nyanda Thorbourne. Major Lazer's Diplo said in a Genius annotation: "Nyla was one of the first writers we worked with. We love her attitude and style. She has a history of big records in our style."
  • Diplo explained that this started out as a love song. However, when he heard the opening line ("Stand up like a soldier baby"), he "knew we had to make it more about being tough and working through problems."
  • A remix featuring additional vocals from British-Ghanaian musician Fuse ODG features on the extended version of Peace Is the Mission.
  • The song's music video was directed by Sam Pilling (J Cole, Usher, The Weeknd) and shot in Ghana. "Because Fuse's family is from Ghana we thought it would bring a really interesting aesthetic to film the video there," Pilling said. "Delving deeper into Ghanaian culture, we found that their traditional funeral ceremonies perfectly exemplify this sense of coming together to rise up against sadness. The whole community joins together, first in mourning the death, then in celebrating the life that was lived."

    "We worked closely with a Ghanaian family and village, meeting the elders and receiving their blessing to film a real funeral ceremony."

Comments: 1

  • Siahara Shyne Carter from United StatesI love the song! Major Lazer and Skrillex is The best’s m not too much Feminen because that's what most people like ;-)

    Also perfect for bars and party
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.