The Vivienne to be honoured in new charity single ‘Your Light Will Shine’ – with vocals from Bimini and Tia Kofi
Following the death of drag star The Vivienne, friends and management pay tribute with a new single that urges listeners to "fight for our love more than ever"
By Aaron Sugg
Six LGBTQ+ music stars – including Bimini and Tia Kofi – have joined forces to honour the late drag icon, The Vivienne, with a new single benefiting LGBTQ+ helpline Switchboard.
James Lee Williams, best known as The Vivienne, died in January aged 32 following a cardiac arrest caused by the effects of ketamine.
Written by manager and close friend Simon Jones, the pop single, entitled ‘Your Light Will Shine’, aims to “honour their legacy and share a message of unity, love and understanding”.
“Viv was a trailblazer and a one off” – Simon Jones on the Vivienne’s legacy
Set for release on 17 September, all profits will go to Switchboard, which recently celebrated 50 years of providing essential services to the LGBTQ+ community.
In a statement to Attitude about the track, Jones said: “I wanted to do something that would not only honour The Vivienne’s lasting legacy but also help raise vital funds for a charity that does so much for our community.
“Viv was a trailblazer and a one off, and in this song we celebrate their life but also remind everyone that right now we need to be united as a community and fight for our love more than ever. I’m so grateful to the amazing music artists who have given their time and talent to create this beautiful pop song.”
Queer music artists Bentley Robles, Bimini, Eden Hunter, Janethan and Tia Kofi provide vocals for the track, which is produced by RuPaul producer and cult US DJ Ellis Miah.
‘Your Light Will Shine’ will be released across all streaming platforms 17 September
Since her death, The Vivienne has been honoured by fans and the community on a national level. The BBC aired a heartfelt tribute to the Drag Race season 1 winner entitled ‘Dear Viv’, celebrating her legacy.
Milton Keynes Pride Festival also paid tribute with a memorial installation of one of her iconic looks, celebrating her impact while supporting her family’s new charity, The House of The Vivienne.
‘Your Light Will Shine’ will be released across all streaming platforms 17 September, with fans encouraged to support the single and the charity.
If you’re struggling with your mental health or need someone to talk to, visit the Switchboard website for support and resources.