I have just returned from an amazing concert and reception for Senegalese Superstar Baaba Maal. It has been several years since we first met, and I went to speak with him about featuring him in a film I am putting together on Music and Social Transformation. It was an inspiring evening of music and beautiful time to hang back stage with the group and my friend Mark Johnson (Playing for Change), who is currently making a film with Baaba and his band about the music of Mali. Mark is also building a music school for the young people of Kirina – a village with a long and rich musical heritage. Baaba played for the village to help mark the occasion (see video below).

Baaba Maal has always brought great inspiration and important messages through his music, both to the people of Africa and about Africa to the world. He has been one of the most globally popular African artists in recent years, along with King Sunny Ade and Youssou NDour, and a great contributor to the popularization of African music in the West. Baaba studied traditional music with his blind guitarist and family griot, Mansour Seck, and began performing with the band Daande Lenol. Mansour has continued to travel and perform with Baaba throughout his career and brought his magical voice and presence to the show and event tonight. In his earlier records, Baaba drew from ragga, salsa and Breton harp music to create a popular sound that launched the careers of Positive Black Soul, a group of rappers, and also led to the formation of the Afro-Celt Sound System.

Tonight’s performance was in conjunction with UCLA’s Department of African studies 50th Anniversary. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate history and cultural studies than though the musical masters and messengers – those that carried the history in their songs and poetry long before it was written in books.

I am truly grateful for Baaba Maal’s inspiration and generous heart and look forward to working with him on the film and visiting his home in Senegal, where musical talent must come from the water.

I had the pleasure of meeting Damian Jr. Gong Marley prior to his Distant Relatives launch party and show in LA last week. We have been trying to work out a time in his insane schedule to feature him on a song with Nigerian artist Nneka, as part of the international collaborations for conscious “Hip Hop” artists I’m creating for Beat The World. It was a really honor to finally meet with him, and even a bit nostalgic for me. I had just spent time in the studio with his brother Ziggy and featured a song of his on last week’s release of Yoga Revolution. Their father was a huge musical and personal influence for me (like millions of others). Rarely a week goes by that I don’t intentionally turn on, play or get inevitably spoken to by one of his songs. I even had a concert booked with the great Bob Marley for his last North American tour. Unfortunately for us all, he never made it. Still he continues to show up in all of our lives through his music, his family and the many musical messengers that continue to carry the torch he set on fire. As you can see, looking in the eyes of and speaking to Damian (aka: Jr. Gong) took on a whole world of meaning for me.

In conversation with my friend Mark Johnson (Playing for Change) before the show, we talked about Bob, Ziggy and Damian. His take on the music paths these two sons have followed and how it encompasses the spirit of their father was very insightful. Ziggy, he said, represents the “One Love” side of Bob Marley, while Damian speaks the voice of the social revolutionary side – “Get Up, Stand Up” or the classic “Redemption Song”.

On this particular night, in far less than ideal over-capacity Hollywood night club, I closed my eyes and was truly transported by the spirit of Bob Marley in Damian’s voice and words – with a timeless and unlimited resonance. That performance made so many things apparent – but none more so than the power of the music and the mission we have to carry it forth to the world. The torch was blazing fully.

That said, it is not fair to put all the spotlights for the evening or music performed on Damian. Adding Nas to the pairing brings the current incarnation it to yet another level, one with exponentially greater global reach. I have followed Nas’ music closely since first working with him on my In Too Deep soundtrack in 1999. Nas is one of the most incredible conscious-centered wordsmiths of contemporary Hip Hop. It is clear how he was inspired by working with Damian and the meaning behind the Distant Relatives project, as well as how his lyrical mastery influenced Damian’s writing.

I feel blessed to both experience the music and to work with artists who are dedicated to keep the torch of the great musical messengers burning .

Check out: Distant Relatives (the new record by Nas & Damian Marley) out May 18. Also check out: Mark Johnson’s Playing for Change tributes to Bob Marley. Ziggy Marley’s Love is Our Religion on Yoga Revolution. JPeriod & KNaan’s Messengers mix tape, featuring the music of Bob Marley. Sing any of Bob Marley’s songs in the morning, and it will change your day. Much respect…

One of the most inspiring events I attended during Grammy week was a tribute to one of the world’s greatest Opera singers. Placido Domingo. An amazing talent, true gentleman and humanitarian, Placido was one of the key people responsible for creating a resurgence for Opera – moving it from small concert halls to football stadium crowds with the Three Tenors featuring Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti. In addition Placido has performed in over 100 movies, released over 50 full length recordings and performed as the lead in more operas than any other tenor in history. His last telecast broadcast to over 1.4 billion people worldwide. Prior to his LIfetime Achievement award this year, he had been nominated for or won Grammy Awards for his recordings on 11 different occasions.

But more than that, as leader of the Los Angeles Opera and the Washington National Opera in Washington DC, he founded and oversees The Young Artists Programs, helping young opera singers to develop into world-class performers and have sustainable careers.

It was these young protege’s that performed in honor of Placido, when NARAS presented him with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. You didn’t need to be an opera fan to be brought to tears by the depth of the emotion and beauty in the voices of some of these future stars of of the genre. And you didn’t need to be an classical music fan to be inspired by the tremendous contribution and commitment to the world of music and to our global culture by the great Placido Domingo.

I was recently blessed to share time and collaborate on a song with the beautiful young singer from Nigeria named Nneka.  Nneka is a special artist, much in the style of a young Lauryn Hill or Eryka Badu.  And, like the musical heritage of her birthplace, Nigeria, she helps carry the torch passed on by the great late Fela Kuti – using her gift of music to inspire and inform the people.  After seeing her perform live in Los Angeles during Grammy week, I decided she would be a perfect voice for the international collaborations with conscious Hip Hop artists I am doing for the soundtrack to my current film project, Beat the World.  Beat the World writer/director and my dear friend Rob Adetuyi shared my excitement about the possibility, especially since he is also of Nigerian dissent.

Nneka got together in my studio, talked about the film and our shared mission of using music as a way to connect and inspire people to move in a more positive directions.  The song is called Express Yourself, which Nneka does quite naturally.  We recorded her vocals in Hamburg last week. I am pairing her with another amazing voice in the global conscious music scene, who’s name I will reveal in one of my upcoming blogs.

Nneka, who’s name means “mother is supreme” grew up in the delta region of Nigeria and moved to Hamburg when she was 18.  She recorded two albums there, making her mark on both the German and UK charts.  She has also supported other notable artists such as Femi Kuti, Bilal, Gnarls Barkley, Sean Paul and the Roots and is slated for the upcoming Lilith Fair  and Nas/Damian Marley tours this coming summer. Nneka’s US Debut album, Concrete Jungle, hit the stores here just after the Grammy’s, with an inspiring first single called Heartbeat. Our friend and remixer extraordinaire, JPeriod, put out a mix tape with her  to help promote the CD, which features Talib Kaweli.  If you are in Austin during the South by Southwest Music Festival this month, you should try to catch one of her five shows there.

Of the artists that I have worked with this past year and those that continue to inspire me, Anthony Hamilton has a voice and persona that carries the torch for Soul Music.  He has that fat rich incredible voice that holds up with the best of the traditional Soul singers of the 60′s & 70′s, yet is immediately accessible to a new generation and always fresh in his delivery, making him one of those rare contemporary artists creating records that could prove to be classics decades from now.  He is also a humble and conscious person, 100% committed to the integrity of his music and work.

I am especially thankful to him for recording the title song I wrote for film Soul Men (Sam Jackson, Bernie Mac, Isaac Hayes), which was nominated for a this year’s Grammy’s.  I knew when I wrote the song for Malcom Lee’s film – an original piece that had to sound like a classic Soul hit from the Memphis Stax Records (Sam & Dave, Wilson Picket) era of the early 70′s – that Anthony was the perfect voice to deliver that timeless sound.  Being a prolific and successful songwriter himself, Anthony Hamilton almost never records songs by other people.  With Soul Music, however, we hit a common note that resonated for both of us, the filmmakers and the audience.

The only other cover that I’ve heard Anthony perform recently was for the opening of a beautifully-made documentary called Soundtrack for a Revolution.  Soundtrack tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music -the freedom songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons, and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality. The film features new performances of the freedom songs by top artists, including John Legend, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean, and The Roots; riveting archival footage; and interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders, including Congressman John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond, and Ambassador Andrew Young.

The freedom songs evolved from slave chants, from the labor movement, and especially from the black church.  The music enabled blacks to sing words they could not say, and it was crucial in helping the protesters as they faced down brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence.  The infectious energy of the songs swept people up and empowered them to fight for their rights.

Soul Music as a genre has evolved out of black spirituals – music that expresses from the soul.  Since the 60′s, as a musical crossing between Gospel roots and popular R&B, the subject matter has broadened tremendously – from party & dance favorites to sultry love songs – but the essence of the style and the singers that have maintained the roots in their evolution and commercial appeal still has that uncanny ability to touch us deep in our own hearts and souls.

With the devastating tradegy in Haiti filling the headlines and drawing attention and much needed support from around the globe, I wanted to bring some more awareness to musicians and artistS who have either been doing ongoing work or are now joining forces to help one of the most desimated populations in the Western Hemisphere.

Most people know that musical superstar Wyclef Jean is of Haitian decent, but not everyone knows of his ongoing efforts to use his music and success to give support, rebuild and inspire his home country.  In 2005, he established the Yéle Haiti Foundation which, in its firs 2 years of operation, provided scholarships to over 7,000 children in Haiti, following the devastation of Hurricane Jeanne. This past week, along with his uncle, Raymond Alcide Joseph – a political activist, journalist and  Haitian Ambassador to the United States since 2005, Wyclef has been heavily campaigning for international aid for relief from the devastation of the earthquake.  Wyclef, who has been a creative inspriation to the fans and the global music community with with his amazing musical talents and his conscious lyrics since his early days with the Fugees, is clearly walking the talk and rising to the call.

Other music and artist projects that have turned their focus to helping the Haiti earthquake relief programs include:

•Music For Relief is offering a compilation of unreleased music, available for free download on MusicForRelief.org. The site encourages donations, which will be divided equally among the United Nations Foundation, Habitat For Humanity, and Dave Matthews Band’s BAMA Works Haitian relief program.

•Artists For Peace and Justice is a relatively new organization with an advisory board of prominent celebrity activists, including Maria Bello, Madeleine Stowe, Charlize Theron, Oliver Stone and Josh Brolin. Founded by filmmaker Paul Haggis, the group originally sought to help build functional schools in impoverished regions in Haiti. Since the earthquake, they’ve directed all of their funds to recovery efforts with a focus on helping to rebuild schools, hospitals and orphanages.

I’m sure their are many other musicians and artists around the globe turning their energy and support toward Haiti at this time. As successful artists, we have the unique ability to not only provide support and create awareness, but to create a sense of inpsiration and hope by uniting people through the music itself.

A final note: Aside from those artists and organizations mentioned here, there are many dedicated people and organizations working tirelessly to bring relief to the crisis and, most importantly, to the children of Haiti.  You can learn about many of them through a list compiled by the Huffington Post at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/12/haiti-earthquake-relief-h_n_421014.html.

I’m happy to announce the release  of the new single “Be On Our Way” today, the featured song from the Weinstein Company/MGM release Hurricane Season. The song pays homage to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina and the spirit of New Orleans in an inspiring “Curtis Mayfield meets Tupac-like” blend of classic soul music and socially conscious rap; performed by Grammy Award winner Van Hunt, New Orleans’ born rapper Supervision, Buku Wise and singers from the original Hidden Faces.

Like all the artists and musicians involved, New Orleans has always held a special place in my heart and ranked high on my list of musical influences. Moved by that and inspired by the movie and the true story upon which it was based, I tried to capture those feelings, the spirit of New Orleans and the underlying message, in an original song that fully supported the vision of the filmmaker, Tim Story. The result?  I’ll let you listen and judge for yourself.

Forest Whitaker’s Hurricane Season is based on the true and inspiring story of Al Collins (Whitaker), a high school coach,

Hurricane Season starring Forest Whitaker

who pulls together a group of high school basketball players – all left disenfranchised by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Against all odds, Colins learns and teaches the young men the meaning of perseverance and team spirit, leading them on to win the Louisiana State Championship. “Be On Our Way” underscores a pivotal montage through the challenges Al and his family must overcome, as their world gets washed away by the worse natural disaster in American history.

In addition to the creative opportunity, I saw the song and film as a chance to create an awareness campaign that could both remind millions of people of the struggle the people of New Orleans and the region are still going through as they try to rebuild their lives, and provide strength and inspiration for countless others around the world who are facing similar tragedies and challenges in their own lives.  Finally, I wanted to directly help the people of the Lower Night Ward, the area most affected by the catastrophic event and where much of the film was shot. To help me with this, I reached out to my friend at Apple iTunes Store to release and help promote the single and Brad Pitt’s Make it Right Foundation, to be the recipient of the proceeds.

Make It Right has been active rebuilding New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward. They are committed to building 150 sustainable, affordable and high quality homes,  while preserving the spirit of the community’s culture. Brad Pitt, Make It Right’s Founder, hopes that this project will be a catalyst for recovery and redevelopment throughout the Lower Ninth Ward and across the city of New Orleans. Through EarthTones, we are donating 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of “Be On Our Way” to Make It Right.

Be sure to check out the song and tell your friends about the campaign.  ”Be On Our Way” is exclusively available at the Apple iTunes Store, starting today.

For more info about the song and campaign, go to http://earthtones.org/projects/be-on-our-way/

For more information on the Make It Right Foundation, please visit www.MakeItRightnola.com.

Musician and host of the show Spectacle on the Sundance Channel

During the Toronto production phase of Beat the World, I had the opportunity to be part of the live taping for this season’s premier of Spectacle – a music and interview show hosted by Elvis Costello. Because of the guests, and the scope of their positive influence in the world – both through their music and their socially conscious ventures, I thought it was appropriate to plug the show and participants here.

Not only was it a truly inspiring show because of the tremendous talent and legacy of host Elvis Costello, his house band – the Imposters, and renown guests Bono and The Edge, but because of the intimacy of the performance, the depth of the interview and the incredible music shared. Bono literally grew up admiring Elvis Costello. The two of them traveled so many of the same circles and carried some much mutual respect, that the interview and performances had a rare level of comfort and personal insight. They talked about old times and shared dreams and, with the backing of the original Imposters, performed each others’ songs – nearly all of them hits. It was a privileged and inspiring experience for all of us lucky enough to be in the audience at the Masonic Temple that night. If you think I am just biased because we are fellow Irishmen, I suggest you tune into the show on The Sundance Channel this Wednesday, Dec 9th, and see for yourself.

To cover all the humanitarian efforts of Bono would require far more than a blog. Dubbed “the face of fusion philanthropy”

Philanthropist & Singer for U2, Bono

by the New York Times, Bono has become one of the world’s best-known philanthropic performers. From Amnesty International, Keep a Child Alive and Greenpeace through to DATA, ONE, (Product (RED) and the Chernobyl Childrens Project, Bono and U2 have used benefit concerts, songwriting, public campaigning, special visits and fund-raising to promote a range of charities and activist communities worldwide, throwing a spotlight on the work of groups who are trying to make the world a better place.You can read more about his remarkable work at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bono#Humanitarian_work

Humanitarian and guitarist for U2

The Edge is currently focusing his humanitarian efforts on Music Rising, a charity that provides musical instruments to those who lost instruments in Hurricane Katrina. He also serves on the board of the Angiogenesis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving global health by advancing angiogenesis-based medicine, diets, and lifestyle.

Costello sits of the Advisory Comittee of the Board of Directors of the Jazz Foundation of America, and has been a featured performer in their annual benefit A Great Night in Harlem since 2006. Costello has donated his time working with the Jazz Foundation of America to save the homes and the lives of America’s elderly jazz and blues musicians including musicians that survived Hurricane Katrina.

It is really inspiring to follow such amazing talents who care as much about the state of the world as they do about their own careers.

December 8th marks the long awaited release of the film Hurricane Season and the featured single, “Be On Our Way”.  Hurricane Season, directed by Tim Story (Barbershop, Fantastic Four), stars Forest Whitaker, Isaiah Washington, Courtney B. Vance, and rappers Bow Wow and Lil’ Wayne. The film is based on the true and inspiring story of Al Collins (Whitaker), a high school basketball coach, who pulls together an unlikely group of players – all left disenfranchised by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Against all odds, the young men learn the true meaning of survival and team spirit that carries them on to win the State Championship.

When I first learned director Tim Story and the Weinstein Company were making Hurricane Season, I saw an opportunity to create both the song, “Be On Our Way”, and a campaign that could help people of the Lower Ninth Ward, who are still trying to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the worst natural disaster in American history. I brought together a group of like-minded artists (including Grammy Award winner Van Hunt, New Orleans’ born rapper Supervision, Buku Wise and singers from the original Hidden Faces) to perform on the song.

It was a great experience working with the filmmakers, the Weinstein Co and the artists and I am excited that the song will finally be realeased as an iTunes exclusive single and serve as fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina. I hope you will download a copy of the song, check out the film and tell all your friends.