‘Somebody Please Help Haiti’ - A Song To Raise Funds...
April 23, 2010 11:13:00
‘Somebody Please Help Haiti’ - A Song To Raise Funds For Haiti - Out 25/04/10
This is a single/project we (Adam & Matt of m-briomusic.com) can really support! A few months on after the Haiti disaster, many of us have forgotten about the people of Haiti and what happened there. There’s less press coverage and life is “back to normal” for many of us but it isn’t for them and so when we saw this project we were happy and excited that people are still working on helping the people of Haiti and making an impact of their lives.
Saturday 27th February at the legendary Abbey Road studios, London, was something special. Over 250 of the UK’s leading worship and gospel artists gathered to record a single to raise funds for survivors of the Haiti earthquake – their compassion stirred by the tragic events.
The track chosen was ‘Somebody Please’, written by Israel Houghton and Noel Robinson for last year’s One Voice album. Lawrence Johnson explained the reason for the choice:
“We decided to record ‘Somebody Please’ because we felt the lyrics were very appropriate for the people we hope to raise funds for. It tells the story of a child crying out for help and justice. We’re very excited about this project.”
“When one suffers everybody suffers,’ said Stuart Townsend on the day. ‘This song is a cry to God from the heart on behalf of all the oppressed in the world. It’s a privilege to be able to join together with others.”
Among the choir at the studios on Saturday were plenty of people from the Kingsway family: Graham Kendrick, Stuart Townend, Ken Riley, Tre Shepherd. Martin Smith and Tim Hughes will add their voices to the track in the coming days, completing a lineup which features leading lights from the gospel scene, like Noel Robinson, Muyiwa, Cie, Guvna B, Victizzle and Jahaziel.
For Graham Kendrick, responses like this are important: “I think that it’s an awful tragedy, and in many ways it’s a test of what the world – and then the church - is going to do about it. There’s a danger that it just goes through our system, that we see the news, we feel it and are aware of it, but then we forget. This is one of those situations that is going to test us in the long term, Haiti is going to become another forgotten place.”
Ken Riley was equally unequivocal:
“I was in Haiti in November of last year – we went out with Compassion to see some projects in action – and it was a life-changing experience. To then see the devastation that has hit an already devastated place… how can I not be here to support this project?”
All the proceeds from the sale of the single will be donated to Compassion International, the Christian charity that partners with churches throughout the world to support children. Specifically, proceeds will be used to help with the essential rebuilding work needed to the Wesleyan Hospital on the island of La Gonâve, just outside Port-au-Prince. Speaking before the choir kicked off, Ian Hamilton (Executive Director, Compassion UK) had this to say:
“On behalf of the people of Haiti – thank you. The commitment and passion I witnessed in everyone who was involved in this recording was astounding. Their heart towards the people of Haiti and their desire to help alleviate the suffering was inspiring. We are honoured to have such phenomenal talent speaking up on behalf of Compassion’s children. Thank you!”
According to Tre Shepherd (lead singer with Onehundredhours), the day was fully of significance:
“What we’re doing here is important, but the way we’re doing it is important. Every time we get together like this we realise that we really are a family. It helps me dream of that day when there’s so much more crossover between us – bringing the best we have to one another.”
“This event is really bringing people together,” agreed Les Moir (Head of A&R at Kingsway), “and I believe is a reflection of the growing unity that exists within our churches.”
“This is proof positive that UK Christian music is alive and well,” said Muyiwa. “One Voice has been at the centre of it, and things have really grown since the last time we were here to record the single in the wake of the Asian tsunami. There’s definitely something of God when you see life and growth like this.”
Noel Robinson, co-writer of ‘Somebody Please’, summed up the day for all:
“The Bible says that the world will know us because of the love we have for one another. And that’s not just love for people that know us or who share our faith, but lost voices, those who are voiceless. I hope that this song captured the voice of the people of Haiti.”
This is a GREAT project and we encourage ALL of you to support this song and download it. Not for chart positions (although that would be nice) but so as much money as possible can be raised for the people of Haiti. Tell all of your friends about it and listen to a GREAT song put together to do something for others and also experience the great collage of voices and artist’s that all give the song a unique flavour and sound.
  
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