Now Playing
Credit: Tim FieldingHundreds of recording artists and other well-known entertainment figures have taken part in a recently launched We Are Not Afraid campaign — inspired by the current refugee crisis — to raise money to aid victims of religious and political violence around the world.
The various celebrities appear in a new eight-minute video that shows them holding up signs that read “Not Afraid” or are have contributed preexisting photos to which the “Not Afraid” message has been added.
Among the many, many stars featured in the video and in pictures on the campaign’s website are Chaka Khan, Chuck D., Flava Flav, Buddy Guy, Charles Neville, Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC, Elle Varner, Eric B & Rakim, Femi Kuti, George Clinton, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Caz, Kool Keith, Meshell Ndegeocello, Nile Rodgers and Questlove.
The video is an extended version of a four-minute clip that premiered in September and was directed by former 10cc member Kevin Godley.
The updated video was directed and produced by acclaimed rock photographer Bob Gruen and features many more artists holding “Not Afraid” signs than appeared in the original clip.
Accompanying the photos is a song by Nigerian reggae artist Majek Fashek called “We Are Not Afraid.” The tune is available for purchase at iTunes, Amazon and other online music sellers and all proceeds from sales of the track will be donated to the International Rescue Committee and Human Rights Watch.
“It’s a positive statement in a negative world,” says Gruen. “I hope it becomes something that inspires people around the world to do their own versions. You shouldn’t go through life being afraid.”
For more information about the campaign, visit WeAreNotAfraid.net.
Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
