For day 18 of our “24 Songs of Xmas” countdown (extending the playlist that’s been growing for some years now), we return to a familiar face who has been incredibly prolific over the festive period. Cairo-based guitarist and songwriter Andrzej Citowicz has teamed up with his wife, Shereen, under the moniker Citovitz and The Fireflies of February to release “Light Up The World”.
This track serves as the grand finale to an intense two-month creative streak for the duo. Citowicz, who has previously spoken openly to us about his journey overcoming autism and using music as a communicative tool, describes this latest release as a defining statement about finding light in the darkness. It caps off a series of releases including the Italian-language tracks “Notte Di Stelle” and the Not So Silent Night EP.
The collaboration with Shereen is born from a place of profound personal resilience. Following the tragic loss of their stillborn son, Jonasz, earlier this year – a heartbreak explored in Andrzej’s recent album Living Room Rockstar Part 2 – the couple found a shared language in music. “Light Up The World” balances Citowicz’s signature hard rock foundations, influenced by the likes of Bon Jovi, with Shereen’s emotive vocals and lyrics. The result is a song that acknowledges the cracks in our armour while celebrating the light that shines through them.
Explaining the band’s evocative name, Andrzej notes that while fireflies are easy to spot in the bright summer, their glow is most necessary in the cold, dark months of February. It’s a fitting metaphor for a song that champions the idea that broken people still have the capacity to bring warmth and comfort to others. Shereen’s lyrics cut to the chase, rejecting the “Instagram-perfect” version of Christmas in favour of something more raw and honest.
If you prefer your festive tunes with a bit of grit, reality, and a massive amount of heart, this is one to add to your playlist immediately.
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Andrzej Citowicz: facebook | instagram | spotify | youtube
