Music

Matsiko World Orphan Choir

We provided creative direction for the Matsiko World Orphan Choir, from writing and producing original songs to video production, and successfully introduced them to streaming platforms.

We introduced the choir to a number of acclaimed artists, encouraging collaboration across multiple musical genres.

The choir have grown their fanbase internationally and landed them on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, appearing on national and regional TV & Radio across the USA and Africa.

Through these efforts, Matsiko’s uplifting music has reached audiences worldwide.

Through These Eyes | Stream

You’re The Only One | Stream

You Are My God | Stream

Amazing Grace | Stream

Song For Our Sisters | Stream

I Have You in My Heart | Stream

Africa – 55 Nations | Stream

Mama | Stream

The Lost Boy

Collaborations

Amina Figarova

Suite for Africa was inspired by Azerbaijani-born, New York-based pianist and composer Amina Figarova. A travel mishap placed Figarova and her husband on the same flight as the Matsiko World Orphan Choir.

A week later she was contacted by its creative director, Mark Hegarty, who also happens to be a songwriter and broadcaster. Hegarty not only was eager to involve the World Orphan Choir in Figarova’s project, he offered to pen lyrics for the suite tailored to the young singers’ experiences. His contributions, Figarova says, “made the project complete. It felt like the music I had written in 2018 was waiting for those lyrics. Every word, every phrase that he wrote means the world to these kids.”

After the release of Suite for Africa, the choir performed at major jazz festivals across the US, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and selling out 6 performances at New York’s Lincoln Jazz Center.

Black Sonix & Sean McCabe

Peaking at no. 2 in online charts, the Choir’s collaboration with Black Sonix and Sean McCabe, “Rise”, resulted in the choir’s signature sound being played at dance music festivals globally.

Mark Lee Hegarty, Creative Director for the Matsiko World Orphan Choir, says he is “overjoyed” to collaborate with Sean McCabe, Black Sonix and Good Vibrations on “Rise”. “There are 600m vulnerable and at-risk children living in poverty,” Hegarty says. “The Matsiko World Orphan Choir are some of these children living in Liberia, West Africa. They are using music to positively give a voice to the voiceless, and helping other children rise with education and empowerment.”

“I’ve been friends with Justin (Black Sonix) for over 30 years, and we always talked of collaborating on a project like this,” Hegarty continues. “I’m thrilled with the result. It captures the contagious, joyful, uplifting spirit of the choir and of Liberia. We encourage you to enjoy Rise, follow us on Spotify and see how you can get involved.”

The Korgis

Best known for their 1980 hit “Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime“, British band The Korgis were thrilled to collaborate with the Matsiko World Orphan Choir after musician and producer Al Steele visited Liberia with our founder, Mark Lee Hegarty.

This beautiful collaboration features a remake of a ‘klassic’ Korgis tune, This World’s For Everyone, originally released in 1992.

Hegsy and The Elements

Mark Lee Hegarty, lead singer-songwriter of Welsh Celtic-Americana band Hegsy and The Elements, collaborated with the Matsiko World Orphan Choir to create three new songs.

This partnership sparked a deep connection—prompting Mark to fall in love with the choir and Liberia—ultimately leading to his appointment as Creative Director through 2025, and resulting in the production of two films and a docuseries.

Through These Eyes | Spotify

Amazing Grace | Spotify

The Long and Winding Road

Gavin Sheppard

Mark Lee Hegarty and Al Steele wrote and produced two singles for popular Welsh singer Gavin Sheppard.

Gavin also guest appeared on the INXS cover of “Good Times”, from Hegsy and The Elements’ My Truths album.

Through These Eyes | Spotify

Amazing Grace | Spotify

The Long and Winding Road

Hegsy and The Elements

Hegsy and The Elements—led by Mark Lee “Hegsy” Hegarty—combines Celtic/Americana roots with a dash of ’80s energy and choral soul.

Mark’s personal struggles inspired him to use music as a catalyst for self-worth and meaningful change, forging collaborations across a range of choirs, including Wales’ oldest choir – the Llantrisant Male Voice Choir, the Matsiko World Orphan Choir in Liberia, and the coveted Louise Ryan Vocal School.

Guided by compassion and a renewed vision, Hegsy and The Elements invite listeners on a journey of empathy, cultural exchange, and creative empowerment.

Rising Strong | Spotify

You’re The Only One | Spotify

The Apple of My Eye | Spotify

Earth Angels (I’m Believing in Love) | Spotify

Free | Spotify

Ten Years (It’s Gonna Be Alright) | Spotify

I Give You All of My Heart

We Will Make it Through

Just Be