In the musical world, it goes without saying that a transgression of limits is necessary to achieve a result that is appreciated by our senses. Music becomes a liberating medium for man; it transgresses the established to create a new order, and at the same time, it is an essential tool to express our fears, rejection, and hopes.
Many artists have traced a path in search not only to create music to entertain people but to contribute something on a collective level; the causes are many and varied: climate change, human rights, natural disasters, feminism, among others; they show us the need for social justice, which is reflected through these artists who raise their voices in search of better opportunities for all.
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Bono (U2)
The lead singer of the band U2, named Paul David Hewson (Bono), is a Founder of the NGO ‘ONE,’ created in 2004, which fights against poverty and the prevention of diseases. Earlier this year, the artist apologized for allegations of sexual harassment within that organization.
He frequently participates in social events in favor of children and the difficulties faced by the African continent. At the time, Bono congratulated Colombia for the achievements achieved around the peace process.
One of his most representative phrases, which he said in an interview with the Brazilian newspaper TV – Globo, was: “Corruption kills more children than malaria.”
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Ebi (Ebrahim Hamedi)
The Iranian-American artist is loved in his home country just as much in America. Known to his fans as one of the kindest artists, Ebi’s 53-year long career is full of incredible stories. And to a great notice, he still does not seem to stop with incredible work outside music.
He is the most celebrated Persian musician who maintains a close relationship with his fans. Ebi never denies an autograph, a backstage meeting of hours with fans, or random acts of kindness which enlighten the spirits of his fans. He is one of the few artists who is always found at the backstage surrounded by fans who cannot get enough pictures with him.
Additionally, Ebi is driven to greater social causes, helping Iranian immigrants settle in a new country, surprise visits to hospitals, and to especially his diehard fans who often miss out on concert events due to some health-related problems. Ebi established a philanthropic foundation in 2019 – With You Foundation, which he calls a “lifelong dream” and this foundation is engaged in making a real difference in the world.
In April during the Coronavirus outbreak, Ebi shaved off his 40-year-old beard as a part of fund-raising campaign led by his foundation and a gesture of support for UNICEF.
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Bob Geldof
He is an Irish musician recognized around the world for charity concerts to raise funds for social causes. One of his most memorable events is the 1985 ‘Live Aid’ concert, which was recently portrayed in the movie ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’
The concert, which took place simultaneously at Wembley (England) and John F. Kennedy (United States) stadiums, brought together hundreds of thousands of people and raised about $ 100 million.
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César López, the ‘escopetarra’ and his fight for peace
César López, the creator of the ‘escopetarra’ (an Ak-47 rifle from the Colombian conflict that was turned into a guitar), is one of the many artists who, with their activism, seek to transform the country.
This instrument was an idea by López that materialized with the help of Alberto Paredes and the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
In 2010, López said: “Music is a very powerful tool. Thanks to it, I have had the opportunity to speak for those who have suffered the scourge of violence, and I believe that through it, peace can be achieved.”
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MIA
MIA lived in Sri Lanka, a small country in southern India, where her family was persecuted due to the civil war between Tamils and Sinhalese; This led the MIA family to request political asylum in the United Kingdom, where they arrive to start over, but MIA faces the fact of being discriminated against because of her skin color, which formed in her a strong and resistant personality: a full activist (#girlpower).
Although many have pointed out that she lacks vocal talent and has no skill with instruments, she says that she has become unique in being able to transmit realities that no one wants to hear. MIA turns her songs into a collage that mixes western aspects with an oriental charge very typical of her cultural baggage, which is reflected in the graphics of her videos; colors, shapes, and textures complement and give meaning to the singer’s own message.
