Music and philanthropy have a good relationship, and as proof of this, we have these success stories.
Music and philanthropy are not distant from each other. Like social responsibility, both concepts can leave a very positive legacy on planet Earth and get people to come together for a good cause.
Perhaps one of the most outstanding representatives of this connection between music and philanthropy is Bono, the lead singer of the band U2, who, since its inception, has sought a way to transmit important messages of environmental and social awareness through music.
As part of this effort, Bono has also integrated initiatives that improve their consumption and footprint inside and outside of a concert, always inviting their followers to join this effort.
Bono is not the only one using his star power to change the world. Many musicians dedicate themselves, their talents, and their fame to raising awareness of important causes and making a difference in our lives and the world.
Music and its representatives can influence people in surprising ways and encourage them to join a social or environmental struggle.
Concerts with a cause
Music and social or environmental causes often go hand in hand because many bands use concerts to defend a charitable purpose in different ways.
These concerts for a cause are most often held in response to a disaster and raise funds for a specific humanitarian crisis.
Some of these events go beyond fundraising and touch on more political and inclusive issues with initiatives that connect attendees with the environment while conveying a little valuable information.
Songs with responsible messages
Music is a powerful tool that can make millions of people aware of it. Under this idea, musicians of different genres and ideologies have created songs with environmental or social messages.
Other musicians have taken advantage of the success of their songs or records to donate almost all the proceeds to charities that help fight several of the most severe global conflicts, such as poverty, lack of education, and even access to water.
Beyond music
Perhaps the best way for musicians to get involved is by creating or partnering with non-profits and foundations to drive a message and call to action.
As in the case of Morrissey, who has been working with PETA for a long time and transmitting the message about the importance of adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet in our life.
Legendary musicians like Prince got involved beyond just creating a song. In his case, in 2007, he launched his fragrance "3121" with a concert and 24-hour collection.
Proceeds were split among the foundations: Jazz Foundation of America, HALO, Elevate Hope Foundation, Urban Farming, and The Bridge and Edith Couey Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund.
DJ Da Don and Haiti
The region of Haiti has lately been stricken of poverty and diseases, mostly perpetrated by the role of corrupt politicians and Western subjects meaning to exploit the area’s natural resources and support the violent gangs. The peaceful and hospitable public of Haiti have found a representation in music with the rise of rapper and musician, DJ Da Don.
DJ Da Don has muscled his way to provide Haitians a prominent voice, as he remains one of the most significant musicians this year. DJ Da Don continues to be an inspiration among the Haitian public for his music and his philanthropic efforts.
The rapper and musician also founded the DJ Da Don Love the Kids Foundation, which has enabled projects and key milestones for the welfare of orphaned children.