As part of The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert, we talk to the music artists who have participated in the concert about why they are using their music to speak out and to say NO to violence against women.
Our tenth featured artist is Hannah Wondmeneh. Hannah Wondmeneh is a singer/song-writer from Brampton, Ontario, Canada, a suburban city right outside of Toronto. Hannah grew up singing in church, started taking piano lessons at age 5 and wrote her first song at 9. For as long as she can remember, music has been the way that she expresses herself and connects to those around her. Currently a university student, she plans to pursue her music dreams full time after she graduates. For now, Hannah uses her YouTube channel as a creative outlet for covers and originals in her Soul, R&B and Hip-Hop influenced sound.
The Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert was held in support of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign in benefit of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Pixel Project. Donate at just US$1 per pixel to reveal the mystery Celebrity Male Role Models and help raise US$1 million for the cause while raising awareness about the important role men and boys play in ending violence against women in their communities worldwide.
Donations begin at just US$1 and while the Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert Indiegogo fundraiser is running from June 5th to July 5th 2015, donors can donate to get exclusive music and artist goodies ranging from personal Skype concerts to treat bundles for the serious music lover.
Tell us about yourself and why you have decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert.
I’m an aspiring musician singer/songwriter as well as a university student studying journalism and human rights. Whether through journalism or music, I want to give a voice to the voiceless and make a positive impact on the life of others. Being a part of The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert was a no brainer.
Why is ending violence against women important to you?
As an advocate for human rights, which of course includes women’s rights, it becomes very obvious that ending violence against women is such a vital part to healing families and communities cross-culturally. It’s an issue that is so widespread and common and so incredibly harmful.
As I get older more and more women around me have become victims and the issue becomes that much more real to me. I don’t want to hear anymore new stories. That’s why ending violence against women is so important to me.
In your opinion how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?
I think music is amazingly powerful in its ability to spread ideas, encourage understanding and create unity. It can help people know that they’re not alone and give people the courage to speak out. And that speaking out is really what is needed to end any kind of injustice. When it comes to violence against women, I think it’s about giving victims the courage to speak out and inspiring allies to raise their voices.
What actions can music artists take to help end violence against women?
As a musician I’m very conscious of the kind of effect I could have and choosing whether or not to make that something positive and meaningful. Speaking out against these kinds of injustices is exactly what I want to do with any platform I’m blessed to be given.
Supporting organisations like The Pixel Project, creating songs with empowering messages and telling difficult stories can help to make a difference and end violence against women. Be vocal about what matters, that’s the power of music.