Music Against Poverty

Pedro Sousa
Intern at UNRIC Brussels, Portugese Desk


Organized by the European Commission’s co-operation office EuropeAid, and launched in the frame of the 2008 “I fight Povery” campaign, Music Against Poverty was a music contest that gave an opportunity for young people to compose songs about fighting poverty. It intended to encourage young people to learn more about development aid policy and concrete projects regarding trade, water, food security and health. Through networking websites and music festivals, young people were invited to submit songs related to fighting poverty. Young passionate musicians contributed with over 250 songs from more than 20 countries.

The winning song was “Let’s join together” by Ensemble pour la Paix. The song was selected based on its relevance, originality and public success. It was written especially for the contest, and it is sung in four languages in order to better convey the notion that poverty is a global issue. The band is made up of nine young university students located in Rome, coming from different parts of Italy as well as Germany and Romania. Founded in the beginning of 2009, the band aims to assemble different musicians from different traditions and with different instruments. Their music influences are eclectic, ranging from pop and rock, folk, classic and traditional Italian music. In their own words: “This victory means to us that music can still unite different people, carrying a message of peace! We are happy because the European message of peace and fighting poverty, that inspired our song, will reach a great amount of people from the Stockholm stage.” The band will have the opportunity to perform during the European Development Days from the 22nd to the 24th October 2009 in Stockholm. Additionally, their song will be professionally recorded.

The Music Against Poverty contest shows that there are young people who are very much aware and concerned with world affairs especially with one of the most shameful problems that mankind faces – Poverty. This action proves that where there is a will by people to give their time and energy to share their message. Music Against Poverty provided the way and opportunity: a music contest. As Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, said: “Music knows no borders, it doesn’t distinguish between rich and poor, it energizes and elevates. What better way for young creative musicians in Europe to get active for our joint goal: eradicating poverty on our globe! I am looking forward to many rocking contributions from all over Europe competing for the opportunity to be present in Stockholm”.■