World peace is attainable, and the Peace Starts 2014 concert at Heia Safari Ranch, Muldersdrift, on 21 September is a step in the right direction.
So says Graeme Watkins, lead singer of the Graeme Watkins Project (GWP) and runner-up in Idols South Africa season five.
The concert is free, and numerous high-profile artists will be performing.
The family-friendly concert is endorsed by the United Nations, and promotes peace, on the International Day of Peace.
The GWP is based in Linden, with Watkins residing in Northwold, lead guitarist Ryno Zeelie in Sundowner, bass player Rudo Pieterse in Linden and drummer Matthew Marinus in Honeydew.
GWP mixes pop, indie, rock and electronic genres.
“We, as South Africans live in an incredibly violent society,” Watkins says.
“There is senseless killing, domestic violence and crime… Sometimes beliefs get in the way but once the world finds common ground, peace is attainable.”
He added that Peace Starts is a “great initiative” and a chance for music to communicate a message of peace. “It’s said that music tames the savage beast. That is essentially what we are trying to achieve.”
Other performers in the concert include Ross Learmonth and Neil Breytenbach (Prime Circle), Cito and Martin Schofield (WONDERboom), Slikour, JR and Shugasmakx, Jason Hartman, Timothy Moloi, Connell Cruise, Josie Field and others. They will perform in acoustic and singer/songwriter style, and collaborate with classical musicians from Double O Ensemble on one or two songs. Registrations for the concert must be completed on the Peace Starts website.
Details: Peace Starts info@peacestarts.co.za
