Bono, the the
lead vocalist and primary lyricist of rock band U2 had once said, “Music can change the world because it
can change people.” And we see examples of this every day. Last Sunday, Ariana
Grande had a star-studded One Love Manchester benefit concert, performing alongside
Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Niall
Horan, Liam Gallagher and her boyfriend, Mac Miller. The show was held to
remember the 22 people that were killed in the foyer of the Manchester Arena
immediately following Grande’s concert on May 22, 2017, in a suicide bomb
attack that injured 119 others. One Love Manchester raised over £2.7 million
with money continuing to be generated through the single releases and
merchandise that is available online. “Music is meant to heal us, to bring
us together, to make us happy. So that is what it will continue to do for
us,” Ariana had written on Twitter. Now, the people of Manchester are
hoping that the concert can be an annual event.
Such is the power of
music. It transcends barriers of language, caste and creed and unites people.
Though Ariana Grande was performing her hit singles at her concert, the One
Love Manchester benefit concert had a different appeal with people feeling a
sense of solidarity, peace and optimism about a better future.
Christo Fernandes,
music director of Namah, organises an annual program bringing together
different bands and solo artistes from a wholesome music experience. “Music is
a magical expression; if you are far from it, it attracts your attention, and
if you get closer, it embraces you completely. When the concept of music is put
together with different musicians and singers and especially for a cause, there
is a stronger connection between the performers and the audience. Music is the
universal language and when it is performed for a cause, there is an explosion
of oneness, harmony and solidarity. It is a different experience when
individual performers are brought together on one stage and the whole thing is
put together; there is a special connection with the audience,” says Christo.
Sharon Gonsalves, a
member of the band Syndicate, has been a part of many charity concerts in Goa,
held for different causes. “Music brings together people of all faiths and
religions. Even at the Ariana Grande concert, I am sure people from different
religions were present to be a part of it. Even as a solo artist, I remember
meeting people who were in Goa on holiday who would come up to me and say that
my music helped them forget their bad days and rough times. Music helps people
remember better times,” says Sharon, the daughter of Braz Gonsalves.
Alex Fernandes, who
currently plays for the band Raagas 2 Riches, says, “Music is the only medium
which brings peace and unity among people who have been through tough times. No
matter what you are going through in your personal life, music plays an
important role in getting rid of any negativity and changing your mindset for a
better tomorrow. Musical concerts like One Love Manchester are perfect examples
of how people can put aside their differences and unite with the power of
music.”
Norman Cardozo has
been a part of many charity concerts in Goa and abroad, performing with various
artistes. In Goa too, he supports many causes and performs pro bono if he
believes in the cause. “Music makes you a different person. At times like
these, you have to stand with the people and be part of their emotions as you
perform on stage. It is important to feel what those families must be going
through after losing their loved ones. These acts of terror can happen anytime,
but music is not going to stop. We will still be together and though music, we
will have to support each other,” says Norman.
