On Jan. 10, while the new year was still cresting the horizon, Mustafa the Poet hosted the third annual Artists for Aid concert at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, joined by co-hosts Pedro Pascal and Bella Hadid.
A harmonious humanitarian evening fueled by solidarity, in total, the benefit concert raised over $5.5 million dollars for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) and the Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) from ticket and merch sales, some of which was designed by Martine Rose, a British-Jamaican designer. Both organizations seek to bring aid and increase the wellbeing of the affected populations in Palestine and Sudan respectively.
PCRF provides life-saving treatment, essential supplies to children without access to care and aids families and orphans. SAPA brings healthcare professionals to Sudan, providing training, advocacy and community education to professionals dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes.
Pedro Pascal and Bella Hadid, along with several of the performing artists, made sure to center the humanitarian aid goal of the concert throughout several breaks between performances.
The somber mood of the event was achieved by the venue’s opulent ornamentation and fantastic set design. Inside, a large chandelier warmly lit up the venue, accompanied by large drapes pulled back from the stage. The placements of each lamp, sofa, rug and microphone complimented each other as the stage was presented as a homely Arabian lounge where artists would sway to the music and converse as the audience faced them. A single piano sat on the left side, dominating the stage, surrounded by large sofas. Actors, musicians, artists and humanitarian music lovers gathered in one space of music to aid the people of Palestine and Sudan.
Each artist performed one to two songs, stripped down to acoustic versions of some of their bigger hits. The event began in the early evening, giving enough time for every one of the artists to perform.
The show began with Cameron Winter performing “Take It With You,” and tears flooded the room. Faye Webster followed, sitting calmly in the middle of the stage, only strumming her guitar.
Many performances surprised the audience including Tamino, whose set was eerie and haunting, leaving an uneasy but intrigued feeling, and Jazmine Sullivan, who made many people in the room fans, with her breathtaking vocals.
Mustafa the Poet and Blood Orange gave moving renditions of their song, both accompanied by string instruments that added a layer of suspense to their lyrics.
A highlight of the night was poetry by Noor Hindi and Safia Elhillo. Their words acknowledged the ongoing genocide, but the humanity, rich culture, love and history that both Palestine and Sudan hold dear to them was the thesis for the poems. The poetry was supported with a beautiful upright bass instrumental by Blood Orange.
Surprises throughout the night included Lucy Dacus of boygenius bringing out Chappell Roan, much to everyone’s delight. Together they sang, “The Book of Love” by The Magnetic Fields.
Geese, coming with an infectious energy and amazing on stage chemistry, was one of the most lively and engaging performances.
The grand finale, Daniel Caesar, performed a touching set which drew in the most attention from the crowd that night.
