living darfur

Music Video Hopes to Open Eyes on Darfur Crisis
10/9/2007

Even if it's not your thing, there's no denying that hip-hop music gets people on the dance floor and can energize a crowd in no time. But beyond the melodic beats, hip-hop can also lift spirits, capture a moment, send a message, and even break down social barriers.

Now, with the financial help of Mick Jagger and support from major celebrities like Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson and Fergie, UK rap duo Mattafix is using hip-hop to try to save the world, one music video at a time.

The group's new video, "Living Darfur," was filmed at a refugee camp on the Chad/Darfur border in Africa. It is said to be the first single ever recorded in a war zone by an international duo. Made up of self-confessed computer geek Preetesh Hirji and steel-pan playing virtuoso Marlon Roudette, Mattafix joined forces with Save Darfur and Crisis Action to help raise awareness of the desperate crisis in Darfur and attract the United Nations' attention.

Since the video's September release, 10 African Union (AU) peacekeepers in the region have already been killed. Though the AU and the UN plan to join forces, many believe that it is simply not happening fast enough. With over 200,000 people dead and another 2 million displaced, the world needs to take action now.

All artist royalties from this single will be donated to Oxfam, Crisis Action, and the Save Darfur Coalition to support their work in Darfur. However, the main purpose of the single is to raise awareness of the crisis.