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Jamming for charity
Youth voice: Check out Oxjam!
A new wave of social consciousness has hit the home-grown, original Irish music scene!
Oxjam is a grass roots, punk ethic concept bringing musicians together across the country in the fight against the plight of worldwide poverty and social injustices. The idea behind it was initiated by Maurice Macartney, a Belfast musician who, while volunteering in an Oxfam shop decided to put on a benefit gig in “Aunty Annie’s” in Belfast back in 2004.
Since then it has snowballed into a worldwide phenomenon and has got the backing of big names like Hot Chip, Kasabian, Kaiser Chiefs, Jarvis Cocker and Fat Boy Slim who play rare, intimate gigs for the cause.
“Music is your voice, use it” is the mantra of Oxjam. People have no voice in some of the corrupt countries Oxfam work in and if they try fight for it, they risk whatever freedom they may have. This innovative, alternative way of raising awareness uses music as its medium. It’s accessible and immediate and it’s made its mark at big name festivals like Electric Picnic where Oxjam has its own stage. This is where troubadours trying to cut their teeth get a chance to put themselves out there.
Gigs are being held all across the country with local talent taking to the stage. October is Oxjam month and to advocate this an ambitious 86 gigs in 31 days have been lined up. It runs all year round too but October is the highlight. There’s a massive amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, it’s not just about those on stage. It’s bringing back the old school community spirit. It’s LiveAid on a local scale. It’s changing people’s perspective of how to go about diminishing the divide between rich and poor. Anyone can volunteer, get bands together and organise a gig to make a difference and save lives.
All proceeds raised go towards Oxfam’s never ending, inexhaustible work to help people in their struggle to survive. Oxfam don’t just try to put a band aid on a problem, or throw money at it. They find the root cause and try to find a solution that will work for the local people. Long term livelihood projects being set up in places like East Africa in education and water employ local people, working directly with local communities and appointing local community leaders. Helping them to help themselves which echoes Oxjams DIY style. Providing them with the tools they need to build a brighter future. It’s not about hand-outs’. It’s about handing these people the seeds to grow their own life.
Ireland has always been known for its high standing in the arts scene, especially in music. It’s been known for being extremely charitable to aid agencies and its people have a long history of working in countries afflicted with the atrocity of starvation. This concept captures both. If you’re hungry for music go check out an Oxjam gig and help feed the world.
Emma-Kate O’Reilly
More info: Oxjam Ireland
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