By: Aswathy Nair
Indian-American rapper Raja Kumari and Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan were featured in the reimagined version of Bob Marley’s classic ‘One Love’ worldwide in support of UNICEF.
Members of the Marley family, including Stephen, Cedella, and Skip Marley, have launched the new version of the anthem. It was released by Tuff Gong International and Amplified Music and is available on all major streaming platforms.
Following a call by UNICEF to help reimagine a fairer, more just world for children whose lives were hit-hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Marley family recorded the song and music video.
The video, which came during the year-long celebration of Marley’s 75th birthday, features Ghetto Youths Foundation, Kim Nain, Manifesto JA, Teeks, 249Too Dope, Amrit Kaur, Mermans Mosengo, Jason Tamba, Natty, Dawtas of Aya, Patoranking, Babsy, British actress Lena Headey and Damascus Voice.
“All over the world, children and families are suffering. Whether they are living in refugee camps, slums or favelas, or they lack access to healthcare or school, or are being treated unfairly because of their race, religion, ethnicity or gender, our dream with this song is to reimagine a world where all children are treated equally – just as my father intended,” said Cedella Marley.
“I’ve had a Bob Marley poster on my wall since I was a kid, and he has influenced my music and art in so many ways. I’m honored to be a part of ‘One Love’ with so many incredible artists to celebrate the legacy of one of my musical gurus,” said Raja Kumari.
“I am so excited to partner with UNICEF and donate all the proceeds to a charity I hold dear to my heart and has helped so many people in need,”
UNICEF estimates that an additional 6,000 children could die every day from preventable causes over the next six months – almost all of them (over 90 per cent) in low or lower-middle income countries – as the pandemic continues to weaken health systems and disrupt services.
“One Love is one of the world’s most iconic solidarity anthems. But it is also a song about children, and their hopes and dreams for a better, more united and equal world,” said UNICEF executive director Henrietta Fore.
“Today, in the midst of a global pandemic, responding to Bob Marley’s call to ‘hear the children crying one love’ is more important and relevant than ever. Only together can we defeat Covid-19 and reimagine a more equal, less discriminatory world for children.”
Public can engage in the ‘One Love’ campaign through activations on social media channels, which include support from jewellery brand Pandora and short-form mobile video platform TikTok.
