‘The project is born out of the idea that we have to inspire each other to come together and that music is the best way to do this,’ said Founder, Mark Johnson.

At the recently held Glastonbury Festival, a Playing for Change’ band, involving an international group of musicians, performed a powerful set of songs with a wonderful fusion of global influences.

On stage, the band was joined by guest artists, such as the African singer Baba Maal, the Tuareg band from Mali and a Northern Irish Catholic and Protestant group ñ the Omagh Community Youth Choir. The performance epitomised the Glastonbury spirit of coming together in the name of peace and love.

Playing for Change’ began in 2005, with the recording of Stand by Me, sung by street musician, Roger Ridley. The founder, Mark Johnson, then travelled the world adding artists to the track.

As the project developed, the founders wanted to give something back to all the musicians and their communities. They set up the Playing for Change’ Foundation, which began a series of charitable ventures. These include a music school in South Africa ñ a creative outlet for young children, connecting them through music to other students globally ñ and a creative writing school in Johannesburg.

Contact: www​.playingforchange​.com

Photo: © Playing for Change