BUENA PARK, CA (Feb. 10, 2005) — On Dec. 26, 2004, over 150,000 people were lost in the wake of the tsunami that hit several Asian countries. Millions more were left homeless, hungry and grieving. On Feb. 3, 2005, musicians from around the world answered the calls for help and brought music and charity to the places where they were needed most.
MTV brought together the top musicians for a concert/charity event in Bangkok, Thailand, (one of the hardest hit country). The goal was to raise money for UNICEF and other India-based organizations trying to bring relief to the victims of the tsunami. The event featured Good Charlotte, Kelly Clarkson, Hoobastank, Linkin Park, and artists from India, Taiwan and Thailand. Yamaha artist,
Alicia Keys was the host for the all-day show that also featured video messages from Jennifer Lopez, Sting and Ricky Martin urging visitors to continue vacationing in southeast Asia.
The event, airs globally on MTV channels and also showcases nine originally produced CNN segments of footage from the tsunami and its aftermath. Survivors also relayed their own first-hand accounts of the tsunami during the event. A big screen propped behind Keys and the stage relayed messages from relief supporters throughout the show.
UNICEF Director, Carol Bellamy, said, "It's hard to imagine what millions of people went through on that Sunday. Recovery will not come quickly."
While the effects of the tsunami will never be completely forgotten, the millions of survivors may take comfort in the knowledge that the world is aware of the tragedy and aid is coming in all forms from around the globe. The MTV Asia Aid concert allows for anyone to add their support in tsunami relief and continues to accept donations. Yamaha artists, like Keys, also continue to aid tsunami relief through their own music, talents and charitable efforts.
