If you haven’t heard/seen this new performance of Peter Gabriel’s “Biko,” stop what you’re doing.
“Biko,” the story of the death of South African anti-apartheid activist Stephen Biko, first appeared on Peter Gabriel’s third album, the “Melt” record from 1980. It’s one of the most powerful political anthems ever written. And if you’ve ever seen Gabriel live, you’ll know that it’s a highlight of his set.
This new version is for Playing for Chance, a social justice organization that works in underserved and marginalized communities around the planet. It was released in February during Black History Month. As of this writing, they’re just a few dollars short of raising US$45,000. All donations will go to the Playing For Change Foundation, the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Remember Slavery Programme, Sankofa, Bob Marley Foundation, Silkroad, and The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
More than two dozen musicians and singers took part in this production, including Yo-Yo Ma, Meshell Ndegeocello.
Stunning, really. The power of music.
Very moving
Some songs are more important than others. This is one of those songs.
Still a stunningly beautiful piece of music
Always been a secret fan of Peter Gabriel. Agree with the comment that ‘it was moving’
After the January 6 insurrection i fell into a profound and crippling depression, because i am old now and i know what it meant, more than most. then i accompanied a friend who had been assaulted to 5 gun shops because i know guns, though i despise them now. i saw swastikas openly displayed,i overheard good old boys joking about shooting our governor, and hundreds of assault weapons…….my depression worsened, and i didn’t think i could come out of it at all. then i saw this video and i began to feel better. thank you
Powerful. Gabriel, especially on his early records, was immensely brave, as well as colossally talented.