Annie Lennox – Singing for Humanity

Frank Fitzpatrick 04/20/2012

I recently returned from my first visit to Oxford, England, where I was a delegate to the Skoll World Forum. Thought leaders, philanthropists and heads of foundations, corporations and governments all gathered to connect and collaborate on new ways to use Social Entrepreneurship to address global challenges. There were hundreds of inspired and inspiring people, amazing lectures and panels, and countless innovative programs for helping the world be a better place.

Through all the stimulating lectures, conversations and events, however, one piece that everyone resonated deeply with and will long remember was the amazing solo performance of Annie Lennox. It was through her melodies, lyrics and magical voice that the empathetic thread which ties us all together, in what we often refer to as humanity, was truly revealed. Annie was not just a singer among these world leaders, she was a channel at the intersection of the human heart and the essence of cultural leadership – commanding a world stage that crosses borders and generations while embracing her ability to bring humanity to a common cause.

Why is it that artists are able to engage our hearts and transform our thoughts and feelings in just a few minutes, then slip into our emotional fiber and subconscious to continue with us along our journey more than almost any other form of expression or communication? How can we re-frame the way we value and think about music and art to tap its immense power to make a real difference in the world?

If we are going to create real global change, we must first shift perceptions, open hearts and create empathy. We must re-invent the framework of how we think, not just build new infrastructure and governance on old, linear, logical thinking. Some say it will be like a re-creation – like Carlos Santana said: a new dawning of humanity. I say it is more of a re-imagination. True creativity cannot come from science, business, technology or logic alone; it must come from the voice of the artist – that which is the channel between the divine source of creation itself and the imagination of that which never existed before. The song yet to be written performed by the voice that everyone knows.

Annie is one of those voices – forever touching the lives of millions in need through her humanitarian commitments and bringing joy to millions more through her music. For the last eight years, the most successful female British pop musician in history has devoted the majority of her time to her SING campaign, raising awareness and money to combat HIV/AIDS.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6M_HP3ijLM[/youtube]