AUSTIN, Texas - The singers of Mona Lysa used music as their form of protest when the death of George Floyd hit close to home.

As protesters across the country call for major police reform in the wake of another unarmed black men’s death in police custody, artists are using their talents to speak out.

Twin singers Jojo and Wo of the R&B duo Mona Lysa performed a musical tribute to George Floyd and other victims of police brutality as their form of protest. That’s been their way of expressing themselves since they were kids.

“We’ve been doing for about since we were kids in our grandfather’s church,” Wo said. “We just started singing. What, like age 5, probably?”

“Yeah, probably 5 years old,” Jojo answered.

The two have traveled to Europe and Asia performing with acts like Alicia Keys and writing for artists like Flo Rida. This time they used that talent for something different, posting a video on Instagram in which they sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a song often referred to as the Black National Anthem.

“It’s a song about bringing change to African American people,” Wo said.

“It’s also a song about liberation and affirmation for African American people,” Jojo added.

The post features the two singing their cover of the song, with pictures of recent victims of police violence and protesters on the front lines. It’s already received nearly 5,000 views on Instagram. 

The duo said they got the idea after George Floyd’s death hit close to home, reminding them of how they worry over the safety of their family.

“I have a little brother, he’s 13, and I hate to have to tell him if you ever get stopped by a police officer, if you’re ever driving at the age of 16, make sure you don’t say the wrong thing,” Jojo said. “It makes me sad, mad, frustrated.”

“And also happy that I’m able to shed awareness,” Wo interjected.