United Kingdom 1: A Time Will Come

Ghanaian artist Naa Densua Tordzro with Scottish singer and composer Karine Polwart.

In the song A Time Will Come, Naa Densua and Karine consider the fragility of the times we live in, when they ask the question 'will a time come when you might need help'.

In June, Naa Densua and Karine met to begin writing the song. During the collaboration the artists discussed the idea of changing circumstances, or the notion that one day the shoe may be on the other foot and you may need help.

During the discussions Karine referenced the idea of a person’s world unravelling; this was the core of the idea behind the music video. The idea was to see an ordinary guy starting his day like every other day, but as he starts to make his way to work his material possessions start to fall away from him.

Naa Densua Tordzro, originally from Ghana, is a multi-genre artist living and working in Glasgow. She established a social enterprise, Sima Fashions, as part of Pan African Arts Scotland.

She sings and plays with the resident bands of Pan African Arts Scotland – the Hi Life Band and Hesu, blending modern and traditional Ghanaian music with traditional Scottish songs. She also runs workshops across Scotland for asylum seekers, refugees, young people and children.

Karine Polwart is a Scottish singer, songwriter and composer, whose songs combine a diverse range of traditional and modern influences from folk to myth. She is a four times winner at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including twice for Best Original Song.

Produced by BBC Arts Digital.

New European Songbook is presented as part of the Edinburgh International Festival and British Council season Spirit of '47.