Look To The Stars News: Nelson Mandela

Bracelet Celebrates Life Of Nelson Mandela

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

A special new bangle has been released to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday and raise funds for his 46664 Foundation.

Luxury brand Montblanc created the bracelet, which is available in available in platinum, silver and gold. The outside of the stylish piece of jewlery bears the famous digits that were Mandela’s prison cell number during his 27 year stay in jail in South Africa, and it also features a 3-D imprint of his hand. Each bracelet was carefully crafted by local South African craftsmen affected by HIV/AIDS.

“Montblanc North America is very honored to be a part of this major international initiative,” said Montblanc North America President and CEO, Jan-Patrick Schmitz. “Our brand is one that takes as much pride in promoting worthwhile causes around the globe as we do in creating our hand-crafted watch and jewelry collections. The 46664 initiative and the impact that a leader such as Nelson Mandela has had in society is important to helping create a stronger, healthier world.”

46664 is part of Nelson Mandela’s campaign to help raise global awareness of AIDS/HIV, and aims to highlight the emergency of AIDS/HIV through unique live events and music related initiatives. The bangles will not only provide a source of funds for the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s 46664 campaign to use in the support of their initiatives, but also to create a means of upliftment, employment and a way of encouraging potential for each and every craftsman who chooses to engage in the program. Their eventual aim is to be able to take the bangle’s demand and turn it into projects that will help ensure lasting benefits to those living with HIV/AIDS and children orphaned by AIDS.

The bangles are available from www.46664.com.

Stars Record Nelson Mandela's Favorite Stories

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

In honor of Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday this week, Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) announced plans to produce an audiobook version of Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an award-winning book of legendary tales hand-picked by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

An array of celebrated performers are donating their talents to the charitable endeavor; those already signed on to voice stories include Gillian Anderson, America Ferrera, Whoopi Goldberg, Samuel L. Jackson, Alan Rickman, and Jurnee Smollett. Nobel laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu will record a special message to the world’s children that will be featured on the audiobook.

Emmy/Golden Globe winner/Oscar nominee Alfre Woodard, who co-founded ANSA in 1989, will serve as Creative Director of the audiobook. She said, “I was privileged to be with Nelson Mandela recently in London, where he challenged us, saying, ‘…our work is far from complete. Where there is poverty and sickness, including AIDS, where human beings are oppressed, there is more work to be done…after nearly 90 years of life, it is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now.’ With this audiobook, ANSA pays tribute to our friend and our hero, Nelson Mandela, on his 90th birthday. It will take the hands of all mankind to lift that burden and carry on the work. We hope you will join in and support this effort.”

Proceeds from the audiobook – slated for a Summer 2009 release – will benefit the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF), a South African organization founded in 1995 to improve the way society treats its children; and ANSA, which works in the U.S. and South Africa to combat HIV/AIDS, provide comprehensive assistance to children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, advance human rights, educate and empower at-risk youth and build bonds between both nations through arts, culture and the shared pursuit of social justice. Both organizations are working to address the impact of the AIDS pandemic on children in South Africa, which has more people living with HIV/AIDS and more children orphaned by the disease than any other country.

“We’re deeply grateful to our generous partners and to the gifted artists who are helping bring these remarkable stories to life,” said ANSA’s Executive Director Sharon Gelman. “Our goal is to create an audiobook that can be enjoyed by people around the world, increasing awareness of Africa’s rich cultural heritages and creating a better future for South Africa’s most vulnerable children.”

In his original foreword for the folktale collection, Nelson Mandela wrote, “It is my wish that the voice of the storyteller may never die in Africa, that all the children of the world may experience the wonder of books.” With the forthcoming audiobook edition of Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, his vision comes full circle, as the timeless tales he selected return to the great oral tradition that allowed them to be passed down for centuries, and will now enlighten and entertain children of all ages the world over

Soccer's Brightest Aim For $90 Million

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Some of the biggest names in football from around the world came together on Saturday to raise funds for charity ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

AC Milan’s Kaka, Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard, and Germany’s Michael Ballack were just some of the names who played in the match held in the German city of Munich on July 12 to raise money for Goal4Africa, a foundation inspired by Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday that aims to raise money for the educational needs of children in Africa. The organization hopes to raise $90 million dollars at a series of exhibition matches over the next two years by having fans pledge donations online or through texts each time any players from their favorite teams score until 2010.

Saturday’s match – organized by former Dutch international Clarence Seedorf – demonstrated the fun and good spirits of the concept, with Ballack’s World Team Two defeating Seedorf’s World Team One 9-6.

Celebs Sign Mercedes for 46664 Auction

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

There was a lot of action backstage at the 46664 Concert Honouring Nelson Mandela at 90 last Friday night. In addition to performing and giving interviews, celebrities were asked to sign a new Mercedes-Benz C350. Mercedes-Benz, a lead sponsor of the Mandela concert, then presented the vehicle to 46664, which will put it on the auction block.

Celebrities whose autographs now decorate the car include Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, Queen and Paul Rodgers, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds, Peter Gabriel, the Sugababes, Razorlight, Jamelia, Zuccero, Geri Halliwell, Eddy Grant, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Quincy Jones, and Lewis Hamilton.

Earlier in the day, tennis legend and Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador Boris Becker – who is also a representative of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation – took the vehicle to visit socially disadvantaged children in London. The children decorated the sedan with multi-colored handprints; they were also invited to attend the concert later that evening.

“It is a great honor for us to be able to support a public figure like Nelson Mandela who has influenced entire generations and has inspired people,” said Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. “In recognition of Mandela as a symbolic figure for the next generation, and in appreciation of his efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, children have decorated a new Mercedes-Benz C 350 with their handprints.”

Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday Party Rocks London

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

Hyde Park was transformed into a giant birthday bash Friday night as 46,664 people joined “birthday boy” Nelson Mandela and a stellar lineup of entertainers to raise funds and awareness for his 46664 charity.

It had been raining on and off all day in London, but the skies cleared just in time for the once-in-a-lifetime lineup of musicians and entertainers to take the stage in honor of Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday. The event was hosted by an enthusiastic Will Smith, and performers included Jivan Gasparyan, Razorlight, the cast of Into the ‘Hoods, Sipho Mibuze, Leona Lewis, Zucchero, Suzanna Owiyo and D’Gary, Sugababes, Annie Lennox (who performed with the Agape Children’s Choir), Emmanual Jal, Vusi Mahlasela, Jamelia, Loyiso, Johnny Clegg, Joan Baez, Eddy Grant, Kurt Darren, Simple Minds, Brian May and Andrea Corr, Amy Winehouse, 9ice and Bebe Cool, Josh Groban, Amaral, and Queen and Paul Rodgers. The renowned Soweto Gospel Choir accompanied many of the acts. Additional entertainers who introduced the musical acts included Quincy Jones, Lewis Hamilton, Geri Halliwell, Peter Gabriel, Stephen Fry, and Jerry Dammers.

After Jivan Gasparyan opened the show with an instrumental piece to accompany a moving series of photographs of Mandela, Will Smith took to the stage with his wife Jada and announced, “The party starts now.” An energizing performance by Razorlight set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Quincy Jones introduced crowd favorite Leona Lewis, who sang her two top hits “Better in Time” and “Bleeding Love.” Lewis wished Mandela a happy birthday and told a touching story of how she and her family used to sing songs about him when she was young.

Other birthday wishes came via a film of various celebrities who were unable to attend, including David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Crow, Morgan Freeman, and Susan Sarandon.

Smith returned to the stage throughout the show, revving the crowd with a surprise performance of his song “Switch,” which included rap verses from his hit television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Annie Lennox, a passionate HIV/AIDS activist and staunch supporter of Mandela’s charities, made a moving speech about a young girl she had met in Africa who was gravely ill with AIDS but was able to make a miraculous recovery thanks to proper treatment and care. Before and after images of the girl were shown on the large screens behind Lennox, who then performed a song with the Agape Children’s Choir. The crowd sang along as the lyrics “We are together… We are family” flashed across the screens.

Peter Gabriel introduced Emmanual Jal, a former child soldier in Sudan who sang a song dedicated to the British aid worker who rescued him and 150 other children. Gerri Halliwell introduced trailblazing South African music legend Johnny Clegg, who performed a duet with Joan Baez.

Immediately following this performance was the highlight of the night. Will and Jada Smith introduced the “birthday boy” himself, and Nelson Mandela was escorted onto the stage to thunderous cheers and applause. The concert performers gathered on stage and, together with the nearly 50,000 people in attendance, sang “Happy Birthday.”

Mandela waved to the crowd and made a brief, moving speech. “We say tonight after nearly 90 years of life, it’s time for new hands to lift the burdens,” he said. “It’s in your hands now, I thank you.”

Eddy Grant and Kurt Darren followed up Mandela’s appearance with “Give Me Hope Johanna,” a song Grant wrote during South Africa’s apartheid regime. Simple Minds performed, having also performed at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at London’s Wembley Stadium in 1988; and celebrated English humorist Stephen Fry introduced Brian May and Andrea Corr. The most highly anticipated performance of the evening came next, as a recently hospitalized Amy Winehouse teetered onto the stage in platform heels to perform her hit songs “Rehab” and “Valerie.”

After a politically-fueled performance by Nigerian artist 9ice and Ugandan musician Bebe Cool – who appeared on stage in bright orange prison jumpsuits emblazoned with “46664” – Josh Groban sang with Vusi Mahlasela and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Spanish artists Amaral performed an acoustic number, and then Mandela and the audience were treated to a video of U2’s Bono and The Edge singing Stevie Wonder’s peppy rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

The penultimate act was Queen and Paul Rodgers, who performed a fan-friendly medley of Queen’s greatest hits, including “The Show Must Go On,” “We Will Rock You” and “We are the Champions.” The crowd sang and clapped along thunderously.

The concert’s finale featured anti-apartheid campaigner and musician Jerry Dammers, who organized the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute. Dammers and Winehouse led the entire line-up of performers and the crowd in singing Dammers’ anthem “Free Nelson Mandela.” Formerly sung in protest against Mandela’s imprisonment, the song took on a celebratory tone and was a fitting end to an historic event.

All proceeds from the concert will go to 46664, the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s campaign for global HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.

To send birthday wishes to Nelson Mandela – who turns 90 on 18 July – visit www.happybirthdaymandela.com. Proceeds from this birthday card campaign go to Nelson Mandela’s charities.

More Artists Confirm For Mandela's Birthday Bash

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:38:00 -0000

Multi-million selling classical pop singer Josh Groban, legendary folk rock singer Joan Baez, and a special appearance by Jerry Dammers – one of the organisers of Artists Against Apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday concert, and whose song ‘Free Nelson Mandela’ became a banner for the 80’s anti-apartheid movement in the UK – are further highlights added to the forthcoming Nelson Mandela 90th birthday concert taking place in London’s Hyde Park on the evening of Friday, June 27.

These additional artist appearances were announced today by the concert organisers who said, “these three artists hold a special place with Nelson Mandela.”

The announcement comes only a week after singer Amy Winehouse confirmed she was adding her voice to those who will show their support for Mr Mandela and his 46664 organisation by taking part.

The three newly confirmed artists will join a performance line-up that already includes Queen, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds, Leona Lewis, Sugababes, Shirley Bassey, and Razorlight, along with more than a dozen of Africa’s most highly regarded artists including Johnny Clegg, Soweto Gospel Choir and Papa Wemba.

The 90th birthday evening concert now boasts an extraordinary roster of some of the most important artists of the twenty years which have passed since London first came together to call for Mr Mandela’s release with the 70th birthday concert on June 11, 1988.

A virtual who’s who of music history, the artists performing for the celebration of Mr Mandela’s 90th birthday account for multi millions of record sales across recent years, and in their diversity reach out across popular music fans across all ages and music preferences.

“The 46664 message is one that needs to be heard in every corner of the world,” said a spokesman for 46664. “These artists between them reach into every one of our communities – upholding Mr. Mandela’s message that HIV AIDS is not a local issue, but a universal one.”

Jerry Dammers and Josh Groban both have existing links with Mr Mandela and the causes he has addressed in his years as one of the world’s most revered statesmen. Jerry Dammers was instrumental in staging 1988’s Nelson Mandela 70th birthday concert. Josh Groban, who emerged the biggest selling recording artist in the US last year, is already an Ambassador for Nelson Mandela’s 46664 organisation, appointed by Mr Mandela when the two met in South Africa in 2004. Inspired by that meeting, Groban established the Josh Groban Foundation to help children in South Africa through education, healthcare and Arts. His 2007 ‘Noel’ Christmas album featured the African Children’s Choir.

Joan Baez provided one of the most influential voices of the 1960’s folk rock era and has continued to do so in the years that have followed. Along with Bob Dylan, her songs have defined generations of peaceful protest against various political issues.

Made possible through the support of Live Nation, the Royal Parks, and the generosity of the private sector including Mercedes-Benz, Zain and Investec, British Airways, Samsung, Intercontinental Hotels, and The Westbury, the June 27 concert proceeds will benefit Nelson Mandela’s HIV AIDS charity 46664 that he founded in 2002.

The three and a half hour 46664 Concert Honouring Nelson Mandela at 90 begins at 6:30pm on Friday, June 27.

Remaining tickets for the concert are available from www.46664.com or through Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

Soccer Stars Campaign For Goal4Africa

Wed, 28 May 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Led by AC Milan’s Kaka and Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard, a virtual who’s-who from the beautiful world of soccer have lined up to play a charity match in efforts to raise money for kids in Africa and pay tribute to Nelson Mandela.

The match marks the first in a series of events to create awareness for Goal4Africa, an organization that raises money for the educational needs of children in Africa. The concept is simple; users donate to the fund when their favorite team or player scores a goal.

The first match in the series will be July 12 at Munich’s Allianz Arena in Germany. The campaign continues through the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, with the aim of raising $90 million in honor of Mandela’s 90th birthday on July 18. The match will also include a live show dedicated to Mandela, portraying his work in Africa and his life story.

Italy’s Gennaro Gattuso and Goal4Africa’s first global ambassador, Clarence Seedorf of the Netherlands, have also been named to the roster.

Time's 100 - Peter Gabriel By Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

Fri, 16 May 2008 10:57:52 -0000

Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu wrote about Peter Gabriel’s contributions to humanity for this year’s Time 100 list:

“I did not know Peter Gabriel from a bar of soap when I met him for the first time on his friend Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the Virgin Islands. But within moments, he had charmed me. I heard him sing his Biko, which still moves me to tears each time I hear it, as we stood round the piano he was playing. He volunteered to give me my first swimming lessons and was a great hit with two of my grandchildren who met him there.

“What is his secret? He has a heart—in our part of the world, we would give him our highest accolade and say, “He has ubuntu.” It is that marvelous quality that speaks of compassion and generosity, about sharing, about hospitality. Peter founded WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance), presenting 50 festivals in more than 40 countries and conducting workshops in schools around the globe. He is a passionate human-rights advocate who participated in the 1988 Human Rights Now tour, and he co-founded Witness, which provides cameras and computers to activists.

“In 2007 he and Branson co-founded the Elders, which Nelson Mandela and his wife Graça Machel launched in Johannesburg on Mandela’s 89th birthday. With our world battered by so many problems—ethnic conflict, oppression of women and children, climate change—their idea was that a group of eminent people would serve as Elders for our global village. A dozen of us—including Kofi Annan, President Jimmy Carter and Fernando Cardoso (with an empty chair for Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma)—have accepted their offer and challenge.

“Peter, 58, has received many awards, including the Man of Peace award given by Nobel Peace laureates. He has ubuntu, and he deserves this latest accolade richly.”

Bishop Tutu, the former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, and founded the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre support and promote peace throughout the world.

Celebrities Raising Voices For Burma

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:46:12 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Will Ferrell and Jennifer Aniston have joined the US Campaign for Burma, and are asking others to do the same for the Burma: It Can’t Wait Campaign. Stars are on a mission to raise one million voices in 30 days against the human rights atrocities occurring in the Southeast Asian country.

The people of Burma are being attacked by their own government, and, just as the world stood together to demand the freedom of Nelson Mandela, the campaign is asking people to speak up for the leader of Burma’s democratic party, Aung San Suu Kyi. The world’s only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Suu Kyi has been deprived of her freedom for 12 of the last 18 years. She has appealed to people around the world, saying, “Please, use your liberty to promote ours.”

To make matters even worse, southwestern Burma was hit by a cyclone on Friday, May 2, leaving up to 60,000 dead, with tens of thousands missing and hundreds of thousands displaced or homeless. It is being called the worst natural disaster in Asia since the 2004 tsunami. Despite knowing about the approaching cyclone days in advance, the government did not warn its citizens. The U.S. Campaign For Burma is accepting donations to help with relief efforts in the medium-term, as the Burmese government is currently blocking international aid agencies from offering their support.

Join Woody Harrelson, Sarah Silverman, Julie Benz, Eddie Izzard and the others who are speaking out for the brave young people fighting for democracy and struggling through the wake of Cyclone Nargis. For more information visit the U.S. Campaign For Burma, and to view the celebrity videos, go to BurmaItCantWait.org.

Stars Sign Up For Mandela's Birthday Bash

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:21:30 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

The list of artists signing up for the June 27th 46664 concert in honor of Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday just keeps growing. 45,000 tickets are available for the one-day event, which will feature acts such as Eminem, Queen, Annie Lennox, Razorlight, Keane, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.

Mandela says of the event, “London wants to celebrate my birthday and I said I would go if they would raise funds for our charities. So, we have a bargain – I am going to London and they there will host a concert in Hyde Park, which will raise awareness of our continuing work and much needed funds.”

The list of expected performers, as of yesterday, includes

Leona Lewis
Sugababes
Duffy
Jamelia
Amy Winehouse
Shirley Bassey
Emmanuel Jal
Andrea and Sharon Corr
Eddy Grant
Simple Minds
Amaral
Soweto Gospel Choir
Loylso
Kurt Darren
Johnny Clegg
The Children Of Agape
Papa Wemba
Sipho Mabuse

There will also be numerous unannounced appearances, as several major artists are keeping silent about their involvement in order to take both Mr Mandela and the audience by surprise.

The 46664 campaign got its name from Mandela’s prison number during 18 of his 27 years of incarceration on the notorious Robben Island. The campaign raises awareness about the impact of AIDS, especially in Africa, and promotes effective HIV prevention measures throughout the world.

Those wishing to purchase tickets, which are priced at £65 each, must first register at the concert’s homepage.

Rockets Honor Dikembe Mutombo

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:44:52 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

After 17-seasons in the NBA, Dikembe Mutombo is considering retirement, but it’s his off-the-court efforts that were the basis for a special event last week.

On Wednesday the Houston Rockets center was recognized for his humanitarian efforts during a special halftime ceremony. NBA Commissioner David Stern and Rockets owner Leslie Alexander honored Mutombo in a heartfelt tribute, which was followed by a standing ovation, a massive donation to his foundation and a Tux & Tennies Charity Gala.

“What can you get the man who could be the reincarnation of Mother Teresa,” teammate Shane Battier said. “I don’t think there is anything we could give him to signify how much we love him as a teammate and how much he means to the NBA. Honestly.”

Rockets owner Leslie Alexander handed the big guy a check for $500,000 to benefit the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital that Mutombo built in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Alexander then used the Rockets Annual Tux & Tennies Charity Gala to benefit Dikembe’s foundation and hospital.

“When Dikembe asked me to use this as an event for his cause, he showed me a video of people in Africa going to a hospital,” Alexander said Thursday. “They bring their own mattress. They walk in. There’s nobody there. There’s no drugs. There’s no medicine. There’s no facilities. There’s nothing. When you’re sick, you know how sad you are. I could just imagine in America walking into that same thing, how horrible they would feel. It shakes your bones. It (Wednesday’s donation) meant a great deal. It meant he could buy many goods and medicines for the people of the Congo. He is part of the Rocket family. To help him was really special.”

Mutombo’s humanitarian efforts have garnered a nod from both the current President and former President Bush. During his 2007 State of the Union Address, George W. Bush said: “Dikembe became a star in the NBA, and a citizen of the United States. But he never forgot the land of his birth, or the duty to share his blessings with others. A friend has said of this good-hearted man: ‘Mutombo believes that God has given him this opportunity to do great things.’ And we are proud to call this son of the Congo a citizen of the United States of America.”

Mutombo was present at the speech and later commented, “My heart was full of joy. I didn’t know the President was going to say such great remarks.”

Former President George H.W. Bush held a courtside seat for Wednesdays game and spoke at the event.

“There’s not many times people can get an occasion to have a former president to be the guest speaker for a function,” Mutombo said. “I think I was lucky enough to have that relationship and to have Les Alexander host this dinner and to make the gift to the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation … I just want to thank God for all His blessings,” he said. “I was very emotional seeing all my family members, my friends, my fans and the owner…you don’t get too many special nights like this. I’m just so happy, and I’m very lucky.”

He said he hoped fans would remember him as a man who did his best both on the court and off. “As someone who made a difference,” he said.

It’s hard to imagine Mutombo NOT making a difference. His remarkable charitable efforts span five different continents and he personally contributed $15M to build the hospital in the Congo.

“I was there at the beginning and watched what he wanted to do,” NBA Commissioner Stern said. “I was there for his first meeting with Nelson Mandela. I’ve been in love with him ever since…when we did our mission statement, we said basketball is No. 1 and social responsibility No. 2. NBA Cares could be Dikembe Cares because he sets the standard for social responsibility.”

Mutombo’s charity work should certainly land him a spot in the history books as one of the most noteworthy humanitarians of our time. Aside from establishing the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation and building a hospital, he’s earned an NBA Humanitarian award; was named one of the ‘Good Guys in Sports’ by the Sporting News for two years in a row; he’s won the President’s Service Award, the nation’s highest honor for volunteer service; he’s participated in Basketball Without Borders; he paid for uniforms and expenses for the Zaire women’s basketball team during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta; he is a spokesman for the international relief agency, CARE (relief); and is the first Youth Emissary for the United Nations Development Program.

All this while playing in the NBA. Just imagine what he could do if he were to retire?

Melua Calls On TV Bosses To Support Charity

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:57:12 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Katie Melua has asked the producers of the hit British TV talent show The X Factor to donate the proceeds from the show’s forthcoming Christmas single to charity.

The winner of the series final on December 15th will release a for-profit cover of Mariah Carey’s song When You Believe. Melua is herself releasing a duet rendition of What A Wonderful World with late jazz singer Eva Cassidy to raise money for the Red Cross this Christmas, and wants charities to benefit more from the annual race for the number-one spot in the charts.

“In recent years the whole Christmas number one thing hasn’t been focused on the Christmas spirit,” said Melua.

“I’m not saying What A Wonderful World is a Christmas song, it obviously isn’t, but what it’s raising money for and awareness for is very much in the Christmas spirit. Maybe this will encourage The X Factor to donate all their money to charity. I think they should.

“To me Christmas is about families and giving. It should not just be about giving each other the latest iPods and Nintendo games. The reason why the Christmas number one is such a big deal is because that’s the song people buy to give each other presents. So if all that money was to go to charity that would be great.”

Melua is no stranger to charity; she is an Ambassador for Save the Children, performed at Nelson Mandela’s 46664 concert, and supports a host of other charities.

Stars Support World AIDS Day

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:32:14 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It was a powerful moment when former South African President Nelson Mandela made his way to the stage with the aid of a walking stick to address tens of thousands of people in Johannesburg on December 1, World Aids Day.

“Break the cycle,” said the 89-year-old leader. “The answer is in our hands.”

Mandela was speaking at the 10-hour charity concert held at Ellis Park Stadium in the South African city to raise awareness of the country’s HIV/AIDS problem. Over 30 local and international artists joined the line-up, with proceeds going to Mandela’s 46664 AIDS program.

“It is alarming that, for every person who receives treatment, there are four others who are newly infected,” said Mandela, who appeared pleased with the concert’s attendance. “Here in South Africa we are making every effort to reach into communities because we believe the answer is in our hands. If we have to stop the AIDS epidemic from expanding, we have to break the cycle of new HIV infections. Big ambitious plans are needed to deal with the epidemic. But what really matters are small acts of kindness… such as protecting yourself.”

British based band Razorlight kicked off the international line-up, and was followed by Peter Gabriel, who included a song about anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko in his set. The singer said that the same power and intensity used to fight apartheid should be shown in the fight against HIV-Aids.

Other acts to perform included Live, Johnny Clegg, Ludacris, the Goo Goo Dolls, and Jamelia. British soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae performed one of her most stunning live sets ever, and performances were interspersed with video clips that highlighted AIDS projects.

“AIDS is a human rights issue,” said singer Annie Lennox, who also performed at the concert. “It should be treated as such to avoid this genocide that is affecting millions and millions of people around the world.”

British supermodel Naomi Campbell also made a surprise appearance, and urged the crowd to do all that they can to stop the disease.

“I know it is a fearful thing,” said the 37-year-old. “Basically we cannot stress too much how important it is to protect yourself from this virus.”

Also marking World AIDS Day on December 1 was British rock group Queen. The band released their first new recording in over a decade on Saturday, available for free download on their website – www.queenonline.com.

The song, “Say It Isn’t True”, features the band’s new lead singer, Paul Rodgers, who joins the original line-up of Brian May and Rodger Taylor. Freddie Mercury, the original lead singer, died of an AIDS related illness in 1991.

“By making the song available for free, we hope to help Nelson Mandela with his campaign to get across the message that no one is safe from infection,” said Taylor. “It’s a difficult subject, and [the song] is written in the first person… it’s about receiving the letter and finding out you’re HIV positive, and the sort of terrible shock and emotion and effect it has on your life.”

Queen may also perform at the next Nelson Mandela charity concert, to be held in London on June 27, 2008.

Corinne Bailey Rae - A Rising Star

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:25:31 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

If one word can be used to describe the rise to fame of English R&B singer Corinne Bailey Rae, it would be “meteoric”. In the space of two short years, from the release of her debut EP “Like A Star” in October 2005, to three Grammy Award nominations for her eponymous first album in 2007, the 28-year-old soul singer has made a lasting effect on people all over the world. And it’s not just fans who are benefiting from the star’s talents. Bailey Rae has quickly proven herself to be one of the most philanthropic and human-minded artists in the industry today.

Born in the English city of Leeds to a West Indian father and a Yorkshire mother, Bailey Rae found her love of music early.

“I started off singing in church,” said the singer, whose voice drips with shades of Billie Holiday. “People always think it must have been a gospel church… but it wasn’t gospel at all. It was just your regular brethren church, very middle class, where we would sing these harmonies every Sunday. It was always my favorite part of the service, the singing.”

A classically trained violinist and English Literature graduate, the singer was passionate about music from a young age, and although she would later become famous for her soulful R&B style, her early forays into music were not what you would expect – her first influence was Led Zeppelin.

“I loved that band during my teens,” she laughed when remembering her early influences. “I wanted, somehow, to follow in their footsteps, and to create music of my own.”

Her involvement with a short-lived but popular Indie band, Helen, led the young artist to develop her songwriting skills and move into the genre of soul, a style it seems she was born to sing.

“I am a huge fan of jazz, but not the muso kind,” she said. “I hate all the noodling, which is why I love classic songs – they are so pure and succinct. That’s what I tried to do with my own songs. They are short and sweet, to the point. I like the idea of leaving people wanting more, not less.”

Her first album, “Corinne Bailey Rae”, was released in February 2006, and features the hit singles “Like A Star” and “Put Your Records On”. It went triple platinum in Britain, and created history by entering the Billboard chart at number 17 – the highest ever chart debut for a UK artist in the US.

“It’s a little bit of everything,” said Bailey Rae, describing the album. “It’s chilled out, acoustic, kooky, atmospheric, and soulful.”

But with all of the awards and accolades, Corinne Bailey Rae has managed to keep both feet on the ground, and her name has already become synonymous with good causes and charitable enterprises. Earlier in 2007 she had a song included on Amnesty International’s “Instant Karma” CD, and in June she played at the Live Earth concert at Wembley Stadium. In September, the singer played a stunning and heartfelt set at the Peace One Day concert held at the Royal Albert Hall.

On November 20, Bailey Rae headlined the third Together For Peace Festival in Leeds, and played to a packed house at The Wardrobe. The thrilling set, which was performed acoustically and included some new songs from her forthcoming second album, was both delicate and vibrant, and highlighted the many vocal talents of the young singer. The concert raised funds and awareness for a variety of organizations that deal with vulnerable women, especially those who suffer from domestic violence and sex trafficking. Charities that benefited from the event included Together For Peace, The Truth Isn’t Sexy, Joanna, Leeds Women’s Aid, Sahara, and the STOP Project. During the evening, stories of women who had been helped to escape life-threatening violence were told, which brought to life the concert’s meaning.

Bailey Rae’s involvement with benefit concerts looks set to continue, and the singer has agreed to perform at Nelson Mandela’s AIDS Day concert in Johannesburg on December 1. The concert will support Mandela’s charity 46664 in its campaign against the HIV virus in Africa, and Bailey Rae will join other performers such as Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, the Goo Goo Dolls, Ludacris, Razorlight, and Jamelia at the event.

“I’m very honored to be invited to perform at the 46664 concert,” she said. “Nelson Mandela is someone who I have admired since I was a child. His application of forgiveness and justice is an example to the world, and I hope the concert will go a long way to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS.”

Bailey Rae’s interests in the plight of those in need has also led her to become an ambassador for CORD – the UK’s leading Christian charity working exclusively with refugees and people affected by conflict around the world.

“I am delighted to be involved in promoting CORD’s peace building role to a global audience,” said the singer. “People need to be made aware of the vital job that CORD is doing with those who have had to flee from war and violence, often losing everything – their families, their homes, and their belongings. Many are young people, a large number are orphans, and CORD helps them get back on their feet, to build a new life, which is why I want to lend them my support in any way I can.”

And with Christmas just round the corner, Corinne Bailey Rae is now helping to fight poverty and global hunger with a new website being launched in time for the holiday season.

www.generouspour.com is a partnership between Clos du Bois Wines and Share Our Strength, a non-profit organization that has raised over $200 million in the past to combat poverty. The website offers consumers the chance to host holiday parties to help the hungry, and also offers a free and exclusive music download from Corinne Bailey Rae.

Visitors to the sight can download party invitations, menu templates, recipe cards prepared by some of America’s best chefs, music playlists, and tips for entertaining – basically everything a “host with the most” needs to put on a party. The Party Pack also contains Share Our Strength donation cards, which can be printed out and mailed in with money collected from party guests.

A remixed version of Corinne Bailey Rae’s song, “Like A Star”, is also available, and for every download of the song, Clos du Bois Wines will give $1 to Share Our Strength.

“Clos du Bois Wines have long been a part of holiday traditions for many families,” said winemaker Erik Olsen. “This holiday season, we are asking consumers to take five for hunger – if you have five minutes, download the song. If you have five hours, host a Generous Pour party. And if you have five days, spread the word by getting your friends to host their own generous gatherings.”

If “meteoric” is the word that best sums up Corinne Bailey Rae’s rise to fame, then her comment about her involvement with Amnesty International is the best way to sum up her outlook on life:

“The reason I am a member of Amnesty is because it acts as a conscience for the world. It campaigns and screams and weeps and protests against injustice; it shames unjust governments, sets prisoners free, and promotes true freedom.”

And with a voice and talent to match her passionate and generous soul, the world is a much brighter place.

Lining Up for Mandela’s 46664

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:11:57 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

December 1, “World AIDS Day”, marks Nelson Mandela’s next 46664 AIDS charity concert, this time in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Once the announcement for the concert was made last month, calls from performers began streaming in. Corinne Bailey Rae, Peter Gabriel, Goo Goo Dolls, Jamelia, Annie Lennox, Ludacris and Razorlight immediately booked their appearances, to be held in Ellis Park before an expected audience of 50,000. South African artists like Arno Carstens, Johnny Clegg, Just Jinjer and the Soweto Gospel Choir, and newer groups like The Parlotones and Cassette, and the R&B female trio Jamali, are part of over forty acts who have pledged their support.

This is the fifth 46664 concert since 2003, which seeks to raise money for HIV/AIDS awareness programs in South Africa. Previous performances were also held in Norway and Spain. Founded in 2002, 46664 (Mandela’s prison number during his 27 years on Robben Island, South Africa) is “an African response to the global HIV AIDS epidemic that invites the whole world to take the fight in hand.”

A human rights fighter, liberation leader and former head of state, Mandela uses 46664 to tell the world that all humans are equal, and that no one should be reduced to a number. He seeks to bring this message to the youth through the power of music, sport and celebrity.

Says JOZI, one of the performing artists, “It is always an honour playing for a cause that helps heal the continent.”

Al Gore Donates Peace Prize Money

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:02:29 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former Vice President Al Gore has announced plans to donate the money he will receive for the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize to charity.

Gore will receive half of the total $1.56 million prize money for the award, which he shared this year with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, for his work to call attention to the threat of global warming, and will reinvest it into the cause that is closest to his heart.

“My wife, Tipper, and I will donate 100% of the proceeds of the award to the Alliance For Climate Protection,” said Gore in an email. “I am deeply honored to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. This award is even more meaningful because I have the honor of sharing it with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the world’s pre-eminent scientific body devoted to improving our understanding of the climate crisis, a group whose members have worked tirelessly and selflessly for many years. We face a true planetary emergency. The climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity. It is also our greatest opportunity to lift global consciousness to a higher level.”

Al Gore is the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize since former President Jimmy Carter. The prize is named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite, who established the award in his will. It has been awarded since 1901 for achievements in physics, chemistry, medicine, and for peace. Past winners include Mother Teresa in 1979, and Nelson Mandela in 1993.

Al Gore was born in Washington DC in 1948, the son of a US Representative and Senator. His early life was divided between life in the political capital of the United States and the family farm in Tennessee. In the 1970s, he served as a military journalist in Vietnam. 1993 saw Gore become the 45th Vice President of the United States, a position he held under President Bill Clinton until 2001. He narrowly missed out being voted into the Presidency himself in 2000.

In 2006, Gore presented a film called “An Inconvenient Truth”, directed by Davis Guggenheim, which publicized the facts behind climate change. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary, and is now the fourth highest grossing documentary film in US history. The companion book to the film, penned by Gore, has been on the New York Times best seller list since June, 2006. His status as an environmental warrior was boosted in July, 2007, when he organized the worldwide Live Earth concerts. His latest book, “The Assault on Reason”, debuted at the top of the New York Times best seller list when it was released in May of this year, and in September his interactive cable network, Current TV, won an Emmy. He is also founder and chairman of the Alliance for Climate Protection, which he describes as “a bipartisan non-profit organization that is devoted to changing public opinion in the US and around the world about the urgency of solving the climate crisis.”

“Al Gore has for a long time been one of the world’s leading environmental politicians,” said the Nobel Committee who awarded the prize. “His strong commitment, reflected in his political activity, lectures, films, and books has strengthened the struggle against climate change. He is probably the single individual who has done most to create greater worldwide understanding of the measures that need to be adopted.”

But has the award changed the man at all?

“I’m going back to work right now,” answered Gore. “This is just the beginning.”

Now is the Hour For Chris Tucker

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:23:09 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

He’s a movie star, a comedian, and now, as his new film Rush Hour 3 is released around the world, Chris Tucker has revealed a philanthropic side to his persona as well.

The 35 year old comedy actor recently talked about his activities during his 6 year break from movie making, which has included several trips to Africa and the formation of a non-profit organization.

“People are used to the normal thing,” he said. “Make as much money as you can, work as much as you can. I wanted to travel the world and meet interesting people. I took advantage of being a celebrity.”

The actor first traveled to Africa in 2001 to publicize Rush Hour 2. However, he was both shocked and horrified at what he found there.

“I saw different situations in Africa – kids and orphans in villages with no clean drinking water because an animal had died in the water system, and they didn’t have $1500 for a new pump.”

This experience had a profound effect on Tucker, and really opened his eyes to the plight of the African population. The following year he visited the continent again, this time to make an MTV documentary with U2 singer Bono and former Treasury Secretary, Paul H O’Neill. The film, Diary of Bono and Chris Tucker: Aiding Africa, looked at how US money could help African countries deal with Aids, unsanitary living conditions, and hunger.

“I remember going to Ethiopia with Bono. It was to this orphanage. Little babies were crying. Six months old. Some were blind. I was, like, ‘What can I do?’ These people are helpless.” What he did was set up the Chris Tucker Foundation in 2005. The non-profit organization aims to provide clean water to villages in Ghana, as well as to fund projects that help fight Aids in Africa.

“It’s in a young stage,” said Tucker. “I want to focus on kids. I teamed up with US Doctors for Africa to work with hospitals there. And I want to get into education. I saw what Oprah did with a school for girls. I want to be part of opening a boys school.”

Tucker has made several more trips to Africa over the last few years, some of them with his close personal friend Bill Clinton. This has led to meeting other world leaders, many of whom now lend their support to Tucker’s charity work.

One such leader is Nelson Mandela, who hopes the Chris Tucker Foundation will assist the needy in South Africa. Tucker clearly remembers their first meeting.

“He was coming into the room saying ‘My Grandkids want to meet Chris Tucker’. So I went up to him and said ‘I’m Chris Tucker’. I got a picture of me sitting between Bill Clinton and Mandela. It’s just like Forrest Gump, man. My life has been like Forrest Gump.”

Tucker and his Rush Hour 3 co-star, Jackie Chan, hope to attend some charity premieres of their new film, and he already has a few new movie ideas in development.

“I’m happy to be back making films,” said Tucker in a recent interview, but it is clear that Africa is never far from his thoughts.

Annie Lennox Leads Women To Sing For AIDS Projects

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:17:21 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Annie Lennox’s new album, Songs of Mass Destruction, due out October 1 promises “not to be lightweight, easy listening, coffee house kinda stuff.” According to Lennox’s website, Sing, a powerful feminist anthem on the album, will feature 23 of the most recognized and successful female solo artists in the world, including Madonna, Shakira, Joss Stone, Dido and Céline Dion.

Inspired by her involvement with both Nelson Mandela’s 46664 and Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) and its vocal group, The Generics, organizations that support health care for HIV/AIDS patients, Annie created Sing to raise funds for TAC’s HIV/AIDS projects. The Generics are also featured in her new album.

Another not-for-profit organization based in South Africa, Life College, has also attracted Lennox’s attention. Life College offers educational and mentoring services to families to substantially improve their levels of success in life. Included in the curriculum is a Life Champion Leadership Programme, which pairs students with people who have achieved high levels of professional success, like Annie Lennox, Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, top athletes and prominent business people. It’s said to be one of the best, life changing aspects of the course.

Lennox agrees: “I wish that there could be a Life College in every part of the world, and I wish I could attend it myself! It teaches people the skills to create a positive way forward into leading a constructive and successful life, both personally and professionally.”

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