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Wailers U.S. tour benefits the hungry

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After learning that every six seconds a child dies of hunger, the legendary reggae band, the Wailers, began a global music industry campaign called, “I Went Hungry.” This summer as part of the campaign, the musicians will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from their daily hospitality riders from their 41 concerts held around the world to the effort.

As part of their plan, the band will not use their daily rider–which is money spent on food to feed them during the concert, and donate that to their philanthropic campaign. Additionally, the money made from the “I Went Hungry” merchandise sold will also be added to the kitty to benefit those suffering from starvation.

The Wailers, in collaboration with United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian organization fighting hunger, hope to rid the world of hunger. According to www.iwenthungry.org, 25,000 people die of starvation each day.

As a result of the campaign, now more than 650,000 people have been fed to date.

The “I Went Hungry” effort mainly focuses on eradicating hunger in Ethiopia, however, since the campaign is working with WFP, that organization will choose where the proceeds of this summer tour should be sent to and will focus on the country most in need.

As part of their fight against hunger, the Wailers have just announced the inclusion of an exclusive new track, “A Step for Mankind,” recorded in Jamaica specifically for Oniric Records’ Solution for “Dreamers: Season 3,” which will be released today. The new track, written by singer-songwriter Duane Stephenson, is a call for world unity and strength to support the never-ending struggle against world hunger.

The “Solution for Dreamers” series was created to raise awareness as well as funds for non-profit partners of Oniric Records, an independent company dedicated to the promotion of artists who advocate environmental and social change through music.

The Wailers were formed in the late 1960s in Jamaica, and have gone on to become the most successful reggae band worldwide. They have sold 250 million albums and played live to more than 24 million people around the world. The Wailers’ leader and musical director Familyman, helped establish the template for reggae with his bass patterns, and also played a large part in arranging Bob Marley’s songs. He also co-produced a couple of songs on Marley’s albums.

“For decades the Wailers have been about spreading a positive message to our audience,” says Familyman. “With the campaign, we want to spread that message beyond the audience–even if the people can’t feel it musically, they’ll feel it spiritually.”

The band will continue to promote the campaign and spread their message of peace and “one love” to their fans during their performance at Hollywood Park on July 9. The group performs at 10:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased for $8.

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