Duane Stephenson may be recognized as one of Reggae’s most talented sons with his top selling releases, “August Town” and “Black Gold,” but he is also a dedicated philanthropist. He has been spreading awareness of world hunger and supporting the efforts of the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) to end hunger worldwide, with special emphasis on the Horn of Africa, where a massive drought is causing a devastating famine. A United Nations institution, WFP is committed to getting food where it is needed, saving the lives of victims of war, civil conflict and natural disasters. Each year, on average, WFP feeds more than 90 million people in 70 countries. Duane joins fellow musicians Christina Aguilera and 50 Cent in supporting this noble cause.
Duane has teamed up with Hiho Batik on the creation of FEED AFRICA! T-shirt. All of the proceeds from the sales of this cotton t-shirt benefit the WFP. This Hiko Batik is 100% handmade in the batik tradition, making each one an individual work of art. The sale of one t-shirt for $40 raises enough money to feed 40 children in the Horn of Africa.
Last year, Duane Stephenson wrote and recorded “A Step for Mankind,” an exclusive track which calls for world unity and strength to support the ongoing struggle against world hunger. Recorded with the legendary Wailers, “A Step for Mankind” features vocalist Koolant, a fresh talent from the heart of St. Thomas known for blazing a positive future for reggae music with his work. The track also introduces Dr. Dre protégé Bishop Lamont, an up-and-coming rapper, whose magical flow in the song’s breakdown melds beautifully with the distinctive groove of the Wailers. 100% of the sales of the track on iTunes benefit WFP.
Duane feels that world hunger is a problem that must be solved and is proud to be counted among the men and women who are supporting the efforts of the WFP. Of the two projects that he has created to raise money for the organization, Duane says that each are “a simple way to make a great difference.”
Duane will be performing “A Step for Mankind” at the XVI Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico on October 30. The largest sporting event of the year, with over 6,000 athletes from 42 countries competing for medals, Duane hopes to inspire even more people to follow in his footsteps to support the efforts to end world hunger.
In recognition of his efforts, Duane has been invited once again to attend the WFP USA and Department of State’s Global Hunger Conference. Hosted in part by Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton, this year’s conference will honor Howard G. Buffett and Bill Gates with the George McGovern Leadership Award for their roles in addressing world hunger.
The FEED AFRICA! T-shirt is available online at www.duanestephensonmusic.com, www.wailers.com, and www.hikobatik.com.
Duane will be on tour with the Wailers starting November 18, 2011. Tour dates are available on the Duane’s website.
