If you’ve been following the ONE blog these past few months, you certainly noted that the David Crowder*Band took ONE with them on their farewell 7 Tour. Over 34 sold out dates nationwide, the guys made it a priority to not only deliver an inspirational set of songs but mobilize their fans to take action and join up with ONE to fight the famine in the Horn of Africa.
While in Mali earlier this year, I discovered some musicians with truly incredible abilities on string instruments. In this area, Mali has brought a disproportionate number of superbly talented musicians into the world – from the legends of the 21-stringed West African harp called the Kora, like the late Ali Farka Touré, to Baba Salah, whose skills on electric guitar evoke comparisons to Jimi Hendrix, who, along with Habib Koité, are two of Mali’s proudest living exports.
Thankfully, these artists are not ones to keep their talent to themselves. Collaborations abound, such as an album full of the melodic artistry between Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabaté, a West African storyteller known as a Griot. Their mutual respect and talent are a joy to hear, and to watch.
This past week I went on the road in Texas with the David Crowder* Band as they launched their 35-date farewell tour. What a blast! We kicked it off in Austin at Stubb’s BBQ, where it was 101 degrees outside at concert time. The guys put on a phenomenal set and the shows just got stronger and stronger as we were in Houston and Dallas.
The Crowder band is taking ONE out on the road with them on their final tour to spotlight the living proof of hope and change in Africa as well as enlist their fans to get involved to fight the famine and diseases like HIV/AIDS. They’re joined by fellow artists Gungor, John Mark McMillan and Chris August, and coming to a city near you. So be sure to check us out on the road and bring a friend to join a night of inspiring music and take action with ONE. We got a few minutes with David Crowder himself, just before they went on at Stubb’s. Check out the video below:
If you’re lucky enough to be in Mangochi, Malawi, you’ve likely already heard all about Lake of Stars, the award-winning music and arts festival set to hit stages for its 7th consecutive year this weekend.
Featuring more than 70 African and international acts, the festival expects to attract over 3,000 visitors, bringing welcomed tourism to the area as well as acting as a great global platform to promote Malawian culture.
Founded in 2004 by Will Jameson following a previous trip to volunteer around Lake Malawi, the festival is modeled on similar celebrated events, including Glastonbury and Live Aid. Gaining media attention from around the world since its inaugural year, when it won the Malawi Tourism Award, Lake of Stars has since gone on to become the country’s No. 1 attraction.
Mike Hogan is the electric violinist of the David Crowder* Band, co-author of the book “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, but Nobody Wants to Die,” and is a freelance music writer. He also serves as a regional faith leader at ONE. In this piece, he discusses why he is an activist.
For me, activism didn’t register until about five months ago. It existed, I was pretty sure, because I heard a lot about it. But that was the extent of it -– it existed and other people were involved.
For last week’s ONE Act, we asked you to expand your music horizons and listen to a new sound coming from Africa: Baloji. The Congolese-Belgian rapper sings all about freedom, justice and democracy in a fusion of pan-African beats, hip hop and jazz — and we weren’t surprised to discover that you like him just as much as we do. Here are some of the nice things that you said about Baloji, which we will share with him in a tweet (you can tweet him at @Baloji, too). Thank you for all those who participated — we had folks from Chile, Argentina, Canada and the US!
Your music is groovy and unique sounding, you have some real talent going on. Keep up the great work -Monica
Baloji, live free speech! I am Brazilian and I saw that your style of music looks like our style. Only better understand the lyrics of your songs after you explained! Please ask to put English subtitles …. laughs …. I’m glad you bring joy to his people through your work. Congratulations! -Priscila
Music helps the people come together and inspired them to be part of one unity. And don’t forget always be true as you’re doing now. Sending all the love from South America (Chile). -Ellen Ramirez
What inspires me is just knowing that there are so many beautiful people around the world who care enough to put themselves 2nd for a moment and focus on someone else who’s needs are more important. It gives me inspiration just knowing that those kids or grownups around the world wake up in the morning with nothing to look forward to, but yet they manage to keep going. -Nyesha Taylor
Hey Baloji, I’ve never danced to punk rock before, but one of my favorites is Reggae. If I was still able to dance, I wouldn’t mind dancing to your music. Interesting and clear that you the band, as well as the people dancing; were having a great time. Terrific, keep going. -Linda
Sounds good. I like it.. Think band is great.. Favorite part is when the song ‘breaksdown’ and that one guy starts singing. Best of luck with everything! -Luke
LISTEN TO YOUR HAPPINESS Baloji music, but more happiness I see the enthusiasm PRODUCE SEE IN IT, HE HEARD IN MY LIFE TOO LITTLE MUSIC FOR YOUR MUSIC AFRICA IY ENCANTO.TE ME WISH ALL THE SUCCESS AND YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE DOING YOU LIKE, OF BUENOS AIRES ARGENTINA WITH A BIG HEART HUG -Cristina Avalos
love your music! And love your interest in DEMOCRACY / FREEDOM & JUSTICE ! I’d buy a CD ! More power to you ! -Suzannah Mee
Kinda Will.I.Am, kinda Ike Turner, kinda Sammy Davis Jr., totally cool! Yay Baloji!!! -Kathy
Great Sound!! Luvv ya Fusion,Luvv ya Voice! Let us know if U come to Australia! -Leila
beautiful soul shining through baloji, keep going -Jo
Love, love, love it…. -Rose
Dear Baloji: I enjoyed your song Nazonji. A cool African funk, rap, jazz sound! Good luck to you and your fellow band mates! -Stephanie Sheehan
My toddler son and I loved the music! We were sitting here at the computer and he was just dancing away on my lap! What a great sound! -Briana
Excellent. I want to hear more of him -Eric Amundrud
Great sound!!! Keep up the good work ! -Maria Dulce
wow man, I can tell you perform with passion and pride! keep it up! I wish I could understand the lyrics ’cause the rhythm is catchy and it sounds poetic. well done man! -Craig Tinning
Not too long ago, I had the chance to interview Baloji, a Belgian-Congolese rapper, at a video shoot in Brooklyn with MTV Iggy. With a four inch-high wedge of hair, dapper blazer and thick-soled combat boots, Baloji doesn’t look like a typical rapper, but don’t let that fool you. His politically charged lyrics, sung in French, Swahili and other African languages, have bite — and are a constant reminder that you should never forget your roots, no matter where you come from.
ONE is campaigning to ensure that the Congressional budget does not cut foreign assistance programs like Feed the Future that help people break the cycle of poverty and hunger.
The Horn of Africa is experiencing its worst drought in 60 years. More than 11 million people, mostly nomadic pastoralists and farmers in south-central Somalia, north-eastern Kenya, and south-eastern Ethiopia, are severely lacking access to food.
2011 marks 30 years since the first cases of AIDS were documented. Take a closer look at the specific, achievable goals we must hit by 2015 to make this year the beginning of the end of AIDS.
As aid agencies warn more than 9 million people could be affected by a food crisis in East Africa, world leaders are failing to keep their 2009 promises to tackle the causes of chronic hunger and support farmers in the world's poorest countries.
While in Mali earlier this year, I discovered some musicians with truly incredible abilities on string instruments. In this area, Mali has brought a disproportionate number of superbly talented musicians into the world – from the legends of the 21-stringed West African harp called the Kora, like the late Ali Farka Touré, to 
Baloji. Photo credit: MTV Iggy
-Monica 
-Jo 
! -Maria Dulce
