From the American « We are the world » to the French « Restos du Cœur », we can’t really say that the songs written for a cause were amazing and unforgettable.
They rose awareness through music. But if you went to the concert, you used to listen more with your heart than with your ears … If you bought the Cd, you REALLY felt concerned…
« We are the World » written by Michael Jackson
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Today, humanitarian and musical engagement does not refer anymore to a bunch of stars standing on a line in front of a microphone in a recording studio or on a stage.
The « Playing for Change » Fundation reinvented the concept of artists gathering up for a cause.
The organization was born after the documentary « Playing for change : Peace Through Music ». This documentary made by Mark Johnson and Jonathan Walls received prices in many festivals. The organization aims at connecting communities from all over the world thanks to music.
During the shooting of the documentary, Mark Johnson and Jonathan walls recorded musicians like Manu Chao, Keb Mo, the South African Vusi Mahlasela in the middle of the street and gathered them thanks to an amazing editing work.
Two songs, « Stand by me » from Ben E. King and « One Love » from Bob Marley were launched to create a buzz on the web. These two international « standards » played with simplicity give the opportunity to discover new amazing musicians from far and unknown countries.
The DVD and the CD will release very soon. More information on the « website ».
Other organizations invented discourses more adapted to the cause they embraced. By giving a song for free, Youssou’N’Dour and Intrahealth are in the core of a subject of current events. Intrahealth International’s aim is to improve public health systems in developping countries. In its last campaign, Intrahealth is fighting for the implementation of open source softwares in developping countries. According to them, free softwares would be a solution to communicate on people needs regarding health systems. To promote the cause, Youssou N’Dour put online a remix of his song « Wake upé.
Some other artists joined the cause : Nas, Q-Burns, Abstract Message and Peter Huck the REM guitarist. The other musicians are invited to join the cause by proposing a remix of their song on the website.
To download the remix, go here.
With Mini DV cams, Internet and social networks, you can now join a right cause and enjoy great music at the same time. How does that sound ? Not bad hum ?
Playing for change :« One Love » from Bob Marley
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Playing for change : « Stand by me » de Ben E King.
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Intrahealth OPEN with Youssou N’Dour
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But if you are one of these eighties freak like me you might still want to listen to the very french « Resto du cœur » song. Just because the cause was right of course…
Enjoy !
« Les restos du cœur » from les Enfoirés
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