1,000 musicians to play at Amnesty International and Sofar Sounds events globally on 20 September
Megan Washington, The Jezabels, Ngaiire, and Kate Miller-Heidke are among the Australian artists to play intimate gigs in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast, joining musicians in more than 200 cities globally for a day of concerts to unite people in welcoming refugees.
The Australian artists will join huge acts such as Ed Sheeran, Irish Blues-Rock singer Hozier and world-renowned Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi for the global refugee concert series called Give a Home.
The full list is available on sofarsounds.com/giveahome, where fans have until 10 September to apply to win tickets to the gigs.
“Think about the absolute hopelessness that makes a person leave their homes, get on a crowded boat headed for a foreign country that they don’t know the language of. The terror that makes them do it even with the risk of death along the way and no guarantee that that country will even let them in. Think about the desperation that makes them do it even with their children and babies. It makes my heart implode and I myself feel quite helpless with the little I can do but If these ‘little’ things like participating in ‘Give a Home’ can keep this at the forefront of the world’s consciousness then it’s very worth it.” – Ngaiire, who will play at the Sydney gig.
Give a Home aims to unite people in showing solidarity with those forced to flee their home and raise awareness of solutions to the global refugee challenge. At 300 plus shows in more than 200 cities across multiple continents, music fans will host intimate gigs in their homes with some of the world’s biggest music stars, refugee artists and activists.
Performing alongside major artists will be musicians from refugee backgrounds. They include Sydney musicians The Mesopotamian Ensemble:
“When we fill our melodies with strength and hope – to stand in solidarity in a global concert, it is a great privilege indeed. For unity, resilience and empathy, it is today more than ever, the most precious human possessions.” – Bashar from Mesopotamian Ensemble, who will play at the Sydney gig.
At this moment, there are many people across the globe seeking to rebuild their lives somewhere safe, but who are instead turned back to harm and denied their basic rights. There are very few paths to safety for refugees, and wealthier countries – including Australia – have failed to share responsibility for the increasing numbers of refugees.
“The problem is not the number of refugees, it is that many of the world’s wealthiest nations host the fewest and do the least. Sharing responsibility is what will solve the current global refugee challenge,” said Ming Yu Hah, Refugee Campaigner at Amnesty International Australia.
Amnesty International is campaigning for the Australian Government to do their fair share, show decisive leadership and implement practical and innovative solutions to urgently protect refugees so they can rebuild their lives in safety.
“Home has been of huge importance. Making music and starting a career in a foreign country, after having left home, initially to finish my studies, has been a beautiful roller coaster. There’s definitely a huge relief when I get the chance to go back home and be with my family, relatives and friends. Many people don’t have this solace. Many don’t have the choice to go home and many because of circumstances do not have a home. That’s why I was super compelled to lend my voice when I got this opportunity. To support in any way I can.” – Sampa the Great, who will play at the Melbourne show.
AUSTRALIAN GIVE A HOME CONCERTS:
- The Jezabels
- Ngaiire
- Megan Washington
- Mesopotamian Ensemble (4 members), with vocalist Lina Saro.
- Ivey
- Kyle Lionhart
- Nick Cunningham
