Day to day, in the press and on our screens, we see lots about the flashy side to the lifestyles of our biggest artists. Compounded by some of the awesome videos that bring to life their tracks.
From the latest supercars to yachts with helipads, the illusion is alluring and the lifestyle out of this world. However, if you dig a little deeper, more often than not there’s a whole lot more going on!
Music artists are increasingly stepping up and making societal contributions which go way beyond their music. From growing new talent from diverse backgrounds to giving back to communities. Some of the biggest names out there are making change happen on a massive scale.
We’ve put the spotlight on 6 influential music artists who are using the power of music to give back and make a real difference.
Fuse ODG
Fuse ODG is known for being a talented Afrobeats artist that proudly pays homage to Africa in his music. He uses his Afro-pop, hip-hop sound to support his motherland and show how his African heritage has influenced his career. His passion and love for Africa and dedication to making it a better place are unquestioned.
Fuse ODG created a platform called ‘This Is New Africa’ (TINA) that celebrates African descended musicians returning to their ancestors’ birthplace. The movement highlights an urgency to Africans and non-Africans to rebuild communities and project a positive and united front to the rest of the world.
In January 2019, Fuse ODG hosted the TINA festival which included a huge concert in Ghana, Accra. The concert saw a positive union between TINA, Trade Fair and music artists. And the likes of Stefflon Don, Lethal Bizzle, Sarkodie and more got behind the movement.
Nipsey Hussle
Nipsey Hussle who recently passed – RIP – is recognised all over the world as a pillar in his community. Since the news of his death, many of his friends and family have spoken out his influence. Praising his commitment to being a better man and role model to those around him.
Nipsey’s community work and love for basketball ran deep. He made several significant financial contributions to communities; building training centres, coworking spaces and much more. His generosity and drive positively impacted many lives.
Even Barack Obama acknowledged is contributions to society and culture:
Chris Martin
We all know Coldplay and Chris Martin. However, besides being a world-renowned musician, Martin is also a philanthropist – on a global scale!
In 2015, he became the Global Citizen Festival Curator. He has since used his influence to inspire people and urge world leaders to help achieve a specific vision. A vision supported by Nelson Mandela: be THE generation to end extreme poverty. Chris has worked towards bringing this vision to life as a Global Citizen. Not only that, Martin is an active supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Usher
When you hear the name Usher, maybe ‘Confessions Part II’ comes to mind? Or perhaps the unforgettable duet with Alicia Keys on ‘My Boo’? Usher is definitely one of the most successful pop-R&B artists of the 21st century. But, were you aware of the time and resources he has dedicated to supporting the lives of young people?
Usher started Usher’s New Look Foundation in 1999, a non-profit organisation. Its purpose is to reach out and educate young people from different socio-economic backgrounds. And it achieves this with a comprehensive 10-year program that transforms young people into passion-driven leaders.
Their work includes funding to support youths in foster care to raising financial resources for victims of Hurricane Katrina. They’ve partnered with Make A Wish Foundation and had the support of former President William J.Clinton.
Diddy
Diddy aka P.Diddy aka Sean Combs – and if you follow him on Instagram, aka LOVE – has always shown world-changing energy. Diddy’s philanthropy he has gone above and beyond to help young people into education.
Recently, he created a special scholarship fund and launched it by gifting Howard University $1 million. Diddy also started The Sean Combs Scholarship Fund to provide and deliver high-quality education to underserved communities.
Diddy’s drive engages and inspires people to pull together to make sure youths aren’t denied a quality education.
Meek Mill
Rapper Meek Mill hit the headlines recently after being in jail from an August 2017 arrest in NYC. In April 2018, after months of campaigning, he secured release.
The experience led him to become a leading advocate for prison reform. Working with leaders and famous people, he pledges time to help those in a similar situation to him.
He’s also teamed up with Jay Z to stand as, what the Rolling Stone has dubbed, “Avengers of The Criminal Justice Reform Organisations.” Together, they’ve pledged over $50 million to prison reform and helping to free prisoners.
And the list could go on and on
We’ve picked out just some of the big names that do so much to make young people’s lives better. RockCorps, our partner, also has a long list of outstanding artists that give their time, energy and talents to help make a change.
Lifting the lid on Apprenticeships
Finding the right career path is tough. But one thing that makes it easier is knowing what all the different paths have to offer. And we think that not enough people are confident about what modern apprenticeships have to offer. Especially when you have companies like Google, Facebook and Universal all heavily investing in apprenticeship opportunities.
Apprentice Nation invites you to take a fresh look at Apprenticeships. Check out the Go Far section of our website and discover some helpful links to resources and companies that are there to support your apprenticeships journey.
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Want to read more?
RockCorps and the Power of Music
Apprentice Nation: I’ll Be What I Want