Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
-Margaret Mead

Not only does music have the power to captivate us, it has the ability to shape our beliefs and enact social change. Musicians are no strangers to playing concerts and galas on behalf of charities around the world in an effort to raise social awareness. In July of 1985, Live Aid concerts were held in London and other cities around the globe to help raise funding and awareness for famine relief in Ethiopia. In the wake of 9/11, musicians ranging from Paul McCartney to Jay-Z held an emotional concert in NYC to benefit and honor those who had perished. And in the summer of 2007, Al Gore produced a series of global concerts called Live Earth, which helped raise funding and awareness for global warming, and resulted in calls for a more proactive global response to climate change.

As you all know, Indaba Music is a platform for musicians from around the globe to connect with one another and to make music together online. Over the past few months, we’ve noticed a growing movement of members coming together to make music in support of various social causes, and quite frankly, it’s a marvelous (and unintended) application of the site.  In the future, if there is a cause you feel strongly about and you are looking for some like-minded musicians to join you, simply stop by the newly created Musicians For Social Causes group page. And if you can’t find a group dedicated to your cause, make one!

In a world connected by technology like never before, music can have an even greater impact on social awareness. While major musicians have always had the ability to reach millions to help raise public awareness for their causes, the rise of the Internet enables anybody to voice their concerns on issues they support. The Indaba community has already sprung to life in support of social causes around the world. Music For Freedom, is a session created by Fernando Fonseca in response to the continued civil unrest in Iran from accusations of election tampering. Meanwhile Peace Partners, a group created by Patrick Lajeunesse that is dedicated to fostering peace and freedom through music, already has over 100 group members and over a dozen active sessions! The number of social cause groups and sessions is small but growing. 

You have the ability to enact powerful and meaningful change through your music creations. While Indaba can help empower you by giving you the tools to make and master you tracks, it is still up to you to stand up for what you believe, and to champion your causes. We call on you, the members of the Indaba community, to share your passions for social causes, be it through joining a group or collaborating with artists around the world to express your beliefs. So stand up, join or create a group, make music, and change the world!