TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
Today, the late Bob Marley’s iconic anthem One Love has been re-released globally, with the help of Nigerian musician Patoranking.
The release is to support UNICEF’s work to reimagine a fairer, more just world for children whose lives have been upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tuff Gong International and Amplified Music released the new version of the seminal song, with the help of several international artists who appear in the new version, including Nigerian artist Patoranking.
The song and music video also come during the year-long celebration of Bob Marley’s 75th birthday, and feature artists and musicians from Nigeria, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Jamaica, Mali, New Zealand, Sudan, Syria, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
All proceeds from the song and related activities will directly support Reimagine, UNICEF’s new global campaign to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from becoming a lasting crisis for children and to ensure the post-pandemic world is fairer and more equal for every child.
Cedella Marley, the daughter of the late Bob Marley said, “More than 40 years ago, my father wrote One Love about unity, peace and universal love during a time when there was much trouble in the world. Even in a time when we aren’t able to get together, his message remains true today – we can get through this global crisis if we come together through one love and one heart”
Originally recorded in 1977 by Bob Marley and the Wailers, One Love/People Get Ready is an iconic song for millions across the globe with its everlasting message to come together as one. The reimagined version of the song will be a true global anthem for 2020, featuring members of the Marley family, established musicians from all corners of the globe, artists from conflict zones around the world, and children living in vulnerable communities.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this project, with UNICEF and the Marley family, who are lending their generous support, creativity and love to help the most vulnerable children around the world, including right here in Nigeria,” said Patoranking. “Together, we can defeat the virus and also build our country stronger and better.”
COVID-19 has upended the lives of children around the world and left children vulnerable to the indirect impacts of COVID-19, such as school closures, food shortages, and limited access to basic healthcare.
UNICEF in Nigeria is working hard to minimize the risks to children, including through support for ensuring routine vaccinations are maintained, so that children do not become more vulnerable to other preventable diseases.
The money raised from One Love for UNICEF’s Reimagine campaign will help UNICEF respond to the immediate needs of children worldwide by providing soap, masks, gloves, hygiene kits, protective equipment and life-saving information for children and families; support near term recovery efforts, including by supporting education, protection and healthcare systems; and further UNICEF work to reimagine a fairer, more just world for children.
To support the song launch, social networking service TikTok will host a special event and public challenge for fans on UNICEF’s TikTok account on 19 July 2020 at 01.00 am GMT.
