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In the age where artificial intelligence (AI) is used and even expanded to include the release of new songs on streaming platforms, it can be difficult to distinguish which is actually tied to the real artiste and which is fan- or user-generated, so this came as a surprise. What’s more – this song features two powerful voices that have made their names internationally. The moment Faouzia takes you through the opening, you know you’re not just in for a treat - you’re almost determined to make this song your anthem. Dubbed Asia’s Taylor Swift, G.E.M.’s voice is also one to commend, especially because of her delivery and her distinctive tone when she’s well-known in both the Chinese and Hong Kong music scenes. G.E.M.’s grandmother taught her to sing, while her uncle was an orchestral saxophonist and her father was inclined towards the violin. In 2023, G.E.M. released a Spanish-language album.

Sources indicate that Faouzia has recently parted with her label that saw her making the infectious ICE, filmed in Shanghai and even containing lines in French. Faouzia has not forgotten her Moroccan roots, despite moving to Canada at a very young age. Faouzia is also versatile in the sense that she can play multiple musical instruments and have performed in French and even a cover of G.E.M.’s song in June 2024. She has fluency in English, Arabic and French. Much of these is reflected through Faouzia’s work, lyrics and music videos.

Faouzia had also lent her voice for the theme song tied to the Chinese movie Decoded.

When the two vocalists come in together, it just proves the weight and gravity this song carries. Not only is the song catchy and set to be popular, it is meaningful as it speaks for those who have yet to find their voice or outlet of expression.

Despite its electronic dance beat, Still Breathing is emotional and impactful, as conveyed through its powerful lyrics in which vulnerability is also excellently portrayed. In this main version, Illenium is responsible for producing the sound, giving it its electropop sense/house genre. Illenium or Nick Miller has worked with Avril Lavigne, Skrillex and Travis Baker.

If the electronic version doesn’t quite appeal to you, there’s the acoustic interpretation that’s more ear-friendly.

At the end of August, the main dance version was released, with the acoustic version launched on 2 September 2025.

Still Breathing is a collaboration that comes after Faouzia’s latest solo work in Unethical and Porcelain, out in August 2025 and April 2025.

To date, there’s yet to be an official music video for this uplifting song, though there’s the official visualizer, which has just been released as at press time.