Amplifying Voices with Music for Water
COVID-19 has stimulated creativity I did not know existed in my organization. As horrible as this virus has been, it has in fact transformed our lives and caused us to think outside the box. While lockdowns and restrictions have limited our habitual movement, I embrace the incredible think-tanks in us that have introduced decentralization in our functions and strategy. There exists within us this extraordinary talent that needs to be welcomed with openness because we have indeed discovered and unleashed the geniuses in us. International Music for Water (#musicforwater) is one big campaign by JB Dondolo. It was launched in 2020 to stream water and music together with the intent to align the mission of the organization to remove barriers of access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in underserved communities.
The campaign is a fundraiser designed as an annual song competition that is open to anyone. Through the competition, participants gain visibility and promotion which may be broadcast to tens of thousands of creative listeners internationally. Five expert judges in, or closely affiliated with, the music industry decide the top three songs to be chosen – one of the chosen three by JB Dondolo becomes the “Theme Song of the Year.”
The Music for Water sets itself apart from other song competitions as a charitable campaign that serves to leverage the “universal medium and ambassador” of music. It ignites a broader awareness of the importance of clean water around the globe. The participation of each artist is instrumental in serving as a voice for those who often go unheard. Women and girls enormously benefit from this musical competition as the campaign serves as a champion to improving gender equity through the connection to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.To benefit the winning artists, the record label Grand Mountain International Records (G.M.I.R.) generously provides each artist a single distribution deal – an invaluable opportunity for many beginning talents in the music industry.
Since its inception, the Music for Water campaign has benefited the Navajo Nation in Arizona with sanitizers to help fight the spread of COVID-19, by providing hygiene products to unhoused individuals in the downtown LA neighborhood of Skid Row (Central City East.)
The Music for Water campaign is not only fun but also a leading platform to unite and build more forceful voices for water while aiding communities in need. If this competition doesn’t excite anyone to advocate or be passionate about water, then the gala to reveal the top three winners could motivate some creativity.
