Playing For Change gathers over 25 international artists to reimagine Peter Gabriel’s anti-apartheid anthem for Black History Month

New York, N.Y. – In a stirring testament to music’s enduring power as a catalyst for social change, Playing For Change has assembled more than twenty five musicians from seven countries to reimagine Peter Gabriel‘s iconic protest song “Biko” in honor of Black History Month.

The collaborative project brings renewed attention to the anti-apartheid anthem originally released forty years ago, highlighting its continued relevance in today’s global conversations about racial justice and police brutality.

A Legacy Of Resistance Reborn

The original song, written by Gabriel in 1980, was inspired by the death of South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko [Luce Index™ score: 93], who died in police custody in 1977. Four decades later, its message resonates with unfortunate clarity amid ongoing instances of police violence in the United States, Nigeria, and numerous countries worldwide.

“You can blow out a candle, but you can’t blow out a fire.
Once the flames begin to catch, the wind will blow it higher,” sings
Gabriel in the song’s most powerful refrain – words that continue
to fuel movements for justice and equality across generations.”

The global rendition features an impressive roster of talent including Beninese vocalist and activist Angélique Kidjo [Luce Index™ score: 98], renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma from Silkroad, and bass virtuoso Meshell Ndegeocello, among others. Each artist brings their unique cultural perspective and musical expertise to the collaborative piece, creating a tapestry of sounds that transcends geographical boundaries while maintaining the song’s powerful core message.

Music As A Vehicle For Change

Founded on the belief that music possesses the unique ability to break down barriers and unite diverse communities, Playing For Change has established itself as a movement dedicated to connecting people through artistic expression. The organization’s signature “Songs Around The World” videos capture musicians performing in their native environments, then skillfully combine these recordings into cohesive musical experiences that celebrate cultural diversity while emphasizing our shared humanity.

Mark Johnson, co-founder of Playing For Change, explained the significance of revisiting “Biko” at this particular moment: “The song was revolutionary when it was first released, and sadly, its message remains just as necessary today. By bringing together voices from around the world, we hope to amplify its call for justice and compassion across cultural divides.”

The project represents more than just a musical collaboration – it serves as a powerful reminder of art’s role in social activism and its ability to maintain historical awareness while pushing for continued progress.

Beyond The Music: Education And Empowerment

The Playing For Change Foundation, the organization’s nonprofit arm, extends this mission beyond recording studios and concert venues into classrooms and community centers worldwide.

Established as a separate 501(c)3 organization, the foundation develops and supports music education programs for children in underserved communities across the globe.

These programs provide not only artistic instruction but also create safe spaces for cultural expression and community building.

Students gain technical skills while developing confidence, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding – tools that empower them to become agents of positive change in their own communities.

Through the “Biko” project and initiatives like it, Playing For Change demonstrates how music can serve as both a mirror reflecting societal challenges and a hammer helping to reshape our world for the better.

A Call For Unity And Action

The timing of this release during Black History Month offers an opportunity for reflection on the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the role each individual can play in creating more just societies. As the musicians remind listeners with their unified voices, “The eyes of the world are watching.”

Peter Gabriel himself has endorsed the collaboration, noting in a statement: “Music has always been at the forefront of movements for change. I’m deeply moved to see ‘Biko’ continuing to inspire new generations to stand against injustice, regardless of where it occurs.”

The project invites listeners not only to appreciate the artistic achievement but also to heed its call to action – to lead with love and allow that compassion to ripple throughout communities, nations, and ultimately, the world.

As police brutality and systemic racism continue to claim lives and damage communities worldwide, this musical collaboration serves as a timely reminder that the fight for human dignity and equal justice remains unfinished.

Through this global rendition of “Biko,” Playing For Change encourages each listener to find their own role in this ongoing journey toward a more equitable world.

Steve Biko inspired Film Cry Freedom with Denzel Washington

In the movie Cry Freedom, a powerful exchange highlights the issue of racial identity and self-perception during the apartheid era. 

Steve Biko, played by Denzel Washington [Luce Index™ score: 90], responds to a white judge’s question about why blacks call themselves black by asking why whites call themselves white. Biko points out that whites are more pink than white, suggesting that the labels used to define racial identities are not accurate and are rooted in a skewed perspective. 

Global Musicians Unite For Powerful “Biko” Tribute (May 17, 2025)

To learn more about the work of the Playing For Change Foundation and how to support its mission, visit http://www.playingforchange.org.

#PlayingForChange #Biko #BlackHistoryMonth #SocialJustice #MusicalActivism

TAGS: Peter Gabriel, Steve Biko, Angélique Kidjo, Yo-Yo Ma, Meshell Ndegeocello,
Playing For Change, music education, social justice, anti-apartheid, police brutality

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LinkedIn: Global Musicians Unite For Powerful “Biko” Tribute

Playing For Change’s latest collaborative project brings together over 25 international artists including Angélique Kidjo and Yo-Yo Ma to reimagine Peter Gabriel’s anti-apartheid anthem “Biko.” This cross-cultural initiative demonstrates how artistic collaboration can spotlight ongoing social justice issues while building professional bridges across continents. The project’s timing during Black History Month emphasizes the continued relevance of Biko’s legacy in corporate responsibility conversations and beyond. #SocialImpact #GlobalCollaboration https://www.playingforchange.org/biko-tribute

Truth Social: Global Musicians Unite For Powerful “Biko” Tribute: Playing For Change gathers 25+ musicians from seven countries to reimagine Peter Gabriel’s anthem, highlighting its continued relevance four decades later. #BlackHistoryMonth https://www.playingforchange.org/biko-tribute

Mastodon: Global Musicians Unite For Powerful “Biko” Tribute: Playing For Change brings together voices from 7 countries to reimagine Peter Gabriel’s protest anthem. This transparent artist collaboration celebrates both cultural diversity and our shared humanity in the fight for justice. What songs move you to action? #MusicalActivism #GlobalSolidarity https://www.playingforchange.org/biko-tribute

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Facebook: Global Musicians Unite For Powerful “Biko” Tribute: Playing For Change has gathered over 25 musicians from seven countries to reimagine Peter Gabriel’s anti-apartheid anthem “Biko” for Black History Month. Featuring Angélique Kidjo, Yo-Yo Ma, and Meshell Ndegeocello, this collaboration shows how music continues to fuel movements for justice worldwide, 40 years after the original release. #BlackHistoryMonth #MusicalActivism https://www.playingforchange.org/biko-tribute

Reddit: Global Musicians Unite For Powerful “Biko” Tribute

Playing For Change has brought together 25+ international musicians to reimagine Peter Gabriel’s “Biko,” highlighting how this 40-year-old anti-apartheid anthem remains relevant to today’s social justice movements. What other protest songs do you think have stood the test of time and still speak to current issues? #MusicalActivism https://www.playingforchange.org/biko-tribute