Boston, MA. (Top40 Charts/
Music for Life) - Damon, a Greek musicologist of the fifth century BC wrote, 'Give me the songs of a nation, and it does not matter who writes the laws.' Ideas have consequences. Musical ideas can shape a culture. A song can change your life. 'The Friend of Africa', a World Music-influenced Pop-Rock song by independent recording artist Steve Kercher and the African Children's Choir is one such song.
Lyrically, 'The Friend of Africa' celebrates the victory of nineteenth century British statesman and abolitionist, William Wilberforce, whose efforts over many years ended the slave trade in the U.K. and inspired the abolitionist movement in the U.S. Kevin Belmonte, the award-winning author of Hero for Humanity, a biography of William Wilberforce, wrote the lyrics. Belmonte was the historical consultant to the producers of the Walden Media/Bristol Bay feature film, 'Amazing Grace'.
'It's our desire,' commented Steve Kercher, 'that listeners be moved to do what Wilberforce and Martin Luther King Jr. did: to take a stand for justice for the betterment of society.' Kercher is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist on the recording, and the composer of the song's music. He is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
The recording brings together some of the finest musicians working today. Legendary bassist Abe Laboriel and popular session drummer John JR Robinson are two of the most recorded musicians in history, having worked with some of the finest recording artists, including Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Clint Black, k.d. lang, Madonna and Eric Clapton. Co-Producer and lead guitarist, Marty Walsh, is a former member of Supertramp and is featured on Leann Rimes' song, 'I Need You'.
More than an inspiring song, 'The Friend of Africa' is actually helping to fundamentally transform lives. Royalties from sales of 'The Friend of Africa' recording benefit Music for Life, the charity of the African Children's Choir that helps feed, clothe, shelter and educate Africa's orphans. The choir itself is made up of some of these orphans, who are predominately from Uganda. Music for Life's motto is: 'Helping Africa's most vulnerable children today, so they can help Africa tomorrow.'
A download of 'The Friend of Africa' is available through iTunes. The extended play CD single, with long play versions, is available from CDFreedom.com/artists/stevekercher.
