DURBAN - The iconic Bob Marley song One Love is to be re-released with the blessing of the musician’s family to support children whose lives have been upended by Covid-19, said the United Nations.
According to the organisation in a report published on Thursday, the initiative is aimed at raising funds for that purpose, adding that the late musician’s family had given its blessings.
The fundraising is coming amid warning by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that an additional 6,000 children could die every day from preventable causes in the next six months, the report said.
“Over 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,” said Cedella Marley.
Issued in 1977 by Bob Marley and the Wailers, with a call for unity and to tackle the suffering of children, a new version of the much-loved reggae anthem will go on sale on Friday 17 July.It features members of the Marley family, world-renowned musicians, artists from conflict zones and children from vulnerable communities.
“One Love speaks directly to one key truth about this pandemic; our best hope to defeat Covid-19 and to re-imagine a more equal, less discriminatory world for children is through global solidarity and cooperation,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.
Internet platform TikTok, will also promote the song launch with a special event and public challenge for fans who want to get involved.The project also has the support of jewellery brand Pandora, which has pledged to match every dollar raised to purchase One Love, up to the value of $1 million.
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