VASALYA MOODLEY
On 18 April, humanitarian organisation Global Citizen launched a worldwide broadcast, One World: Together At Home, in support of the World Health Organisation and all healthcare workers, who are working tirelessly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. By using social media platforms, this campaign strived to bring about positivity to ease those feeling isolated at home. This special, in collaboration with Lady Gaga, aimed to unite the world through music – from pop to rock, and everything in between. The special featured informative words from leading health experts, and an array of highly renowned artists.
As a mere tip of the star-studded iceberg, some of the performers included The Rolling Stones, Lizzo, and Taylor Swift, all singing from their homes. Lupita Nyong’o, Jimmy Fallon, and many other famous figures from the film and television industry also appeared. A variety of international artists also made appearances. Bollywood titan, Shah Rukh Khan, Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi, and K-pop group, SuperM, were a few of these. Well-known names in other industries contributed to the broadcast, such as David Beckham, and Bill Gates. South Africa was also represented on the special. Black Coffee, Cassper Nyovest, Nomzamo Mbatha, and Sho Madjozi joined the enormous line-up of artists. As a build-up to the broadcast, music streaming site, Spotify, compiled the official playlist of #TogetherAtHome which included the music of the performing artists in the concert.
“By using social media platforms, this campaign strived to bring about positivity to ease those feeling isolated at home.“
In the set of performances, some stand-outs were Sam Smith and John Legend’s melodic duet of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me”. Elton John’s energetic rendition of his hit “I’m Still Standing” was fun and vibrant. Billie Eilish and Finneas performed a smooth cover of Bobby Hepp’s “Sunny”. The concert capped off with a collaboration of “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, John Legend, accompanied by concert pianist Lang Lang. This performance gained over six million views on YouTube and became number 5 on trending.
Hugh Evans, the CEO and co-founder of Global Citizen, hopes that everyone who tuned in to the special will take away not just the importance of the healthcare community, but other pillars of society, such as teachers, and grocery store employees. Lady Gaga stated that this massive online concert aimed to highlight and encourage everyone to flatten the curve.
The broadcast was immensely successful. More than 24 million people viewed the concert on YouTube, and it became number one on trending. On 20 April, Global Citizen announced that $127.9 million dollars were raised by this project for COVID-19 relief.
Music and television have united the world for years. It fuels people’s interests and brings them together. One World: Together At Home used social media, inspiring words, and artistic mediums to unite people. Not only does this campaign pay tribute to medical communities around the world, but it also highlights the need humans have for each other. The full broadcast and individual performances can be viewed on the Global Citizen’s YouTube channel.
Image: Cassandra Eardley
