Artists Unite to Protest World Hunger Through Benefit Concert

In a powerful display of solidarity and activism, artists from around the globe have come together to protest world hunger through a series of benefit concerts aimed at raising awareness and funds for those affected by food insecurity.

The initiative, spearheaded by renowned Sudanese-Canadian artist Mustafa, founder of the humanitarian collective Artists for Aid, has garnered significant attention and support. Mustafa, who has been vocal about the crises in Gaza and Sudan, organized the first Artists for Aid concert in January 2024 at Newark Symphony Hall. The event featured performances by artists such as Omar Apollo, Clairo, Stormzy, and 6LACK, with all proceeds directed towards Human Concern International's relief efforts in Gaza and Sudan. The concert was a resounding success, raising over $230,000 and drawing an audience of 3,000 in-person attendees and 220,000 livestream viewers.

Building on this momentum, Mustafa organized a second benefit concert in London at Troxy in July 2024. This star-studded event brought together artists like FKA Twigs, Daniel Caesar, Earl Sweatshirt, and Yasiin Bey, among others. The concert aimed to provide humanitarian aid to those in Gaza and Sudan, with all proceeds supporting War Child UK's response plan in these regions. The event not only raised significant funds but also served as a platform for artists to express their solidarity and commitment to addressing global hunger and conflict.

In addition to these efforts, a major benefit concert titled 'Together for Palestine' is scheduled to take place at London's Wembley Arena on September 17, 2025. Organized by Brian Eno, the event will feature performances by Damon Albarn, Paloma Faith, Sampha, and Jamie xx, alongside Palestinian artists. The concert aims to raise funds for Choose Love, a British charity working with partner organizations in Gaza to deliver food, medical supplies, and other support. The event underscores the ongoing commitment of artists to use their platforms to advocate for those affected by hunger and conflict.

These concerts are part of a broader movement where artists leverage their influence to address pressing global issues. From the historic Live Aid concert in 1985, which raised over $100 million for famine relief in Africa, to more recent initiatives like FireAid, featuring artists such as Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga, the music industry has consistently demonstrated its capacity to mobilize resources and attention for humanitarian causes.

The success of these benefit concerts highlights the power of music and art in fostering global solidarity and driving positive change. As the world continues to grapple with challenges related to hunger and conflict, the collective efforts of artists serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action for individuals and communities worldwide.