Live-8 at The Eden Project: Paul’s Photos

Live-8 at The Eden Project: Paul’s Photos

Recently I was reminded of the legendary Live-8 concert “Africa’s Calling” in 2005 and I’ve dug out the pics to have a look, and show you.

I covered the event for Comic Relief as they were involved in the day, and I got to go to The Eden Project to photograph the superb concert held there, which featured many amazing artists like Youssou N-Dour, Peter Gabriel, Geoffrey Oryema, Mariza and lots more.

I was fortunate to be there for the whole day, including being in the press area when Peter Gabriel was explaining about the event and I photographed him being interviewed by TV and radio stations from around the world. Thomas Brooman from WOMAD and Tim Smit the creator of The Eden Project were also interviewed, a proud moment in The Eden Project’s history.

Two noticeable moments… at one point in the day Nelson Mandela spoke to the concert through a television link up, everybody was very emotional. Also, Angelina Jolie popped up for one reason or another, I’d entirely forgotten about this, but the pic is below, so it must’ve happened!

I hope you enjoy looking through these pictures, the event was special for me because it was at the beginning of my career as a photographer. I was about to go full time freelance and covering this event gave me a good deal of confidence to be brave and leave my job in a publishing company in Bristol… which as I’m sure as you can imagine, is a very big step.

Thanks

Paul

All images © Paul Groom Photography. Please contact me for usage. Please feel free to share on social media but credit with a link to www.moodbooth.co.uk if possible. 

I thought I’d finish this blog with some more information about this incredible event!

The Eden Project’s Role in Live 8: A Celebration of African Music

Live 8, a series of concerts held worldwide in 2005, aimed to raise awareness about global poverty, calling for political action from G8 leaders to address issues such as debt relief, trade fairness, and aid to Africa. Among the various concert locations, the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, hosted a special event focused solely on African music. This gathering highlighted the continent’s rich cultural heritage while also drawing attention to its ongoing social and economic challenges. Here’s a fact-file overview of the key details surrounding the Live 8 concert at the Eden Project.

The Eden Project: A Unique Venue for Live 8

The Eden Project is a renowned ecological complex in Cornwall, UK, known for its massive biomes that house different global ecosystems. Its iconic geodesic dome structure provided a visually striking and symbolic backdrop for the event. The venue’s environmental ethos perfectly aligned with the core message of Live 8, which was to address global issues, particularly poverty in Africa.

While Live 8 events were held globally, the Eden Project focused on bringing attention to African music and its vital role in cultural and social development. This focus underlined the event’s campaign for poverty alleviation and sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on African nations and the African diaspora.

African Performers at the Eden Project

At the Eden Project, the performances were exclusively by African artists, each bringing their unique sound and powerful message to the stage. Some of the standout performers included:

• Youssou N’Dour: The Senegalese musician is one of Africa’s most celebrated artists. His fusion of traditional African rhythms and contemporary sounds, along with his powerful voice, made his performance at the Eden Project a memorable moment in the concert series. N’Dour has long been an advocate for social change, making him a fitting representative for Live 8’s call for global solidarity.
• Damon Albarn’s African Express: This project, led by Blur’s Damon Albarn, brought together musicians from across Africa and the UK. The African Express featured collaborations that bridged musical boundaries, demonstrating the unity of the African continent and its global musical influence. The collaborative set was high-energy and reflected the cultural blend that characterizes much of Africa’s music today.
• Amadou & Mariam: The Malian duo delivered a vibrant and soulful performance, with their mix of traditional Malian sounds and modern influences. Their music has won them international acclaim, and their set at Eden showcased the diversity of African music.
• Miriam Makeba: Known as “Mama Africa,” Miriam Makeba was a symbol of African identity and activism. Her performance was a testament to her decades-long commitment to using music as a tool for social justice, making her participation in the Live 8 event particularly significant.

These performances brought the sounds of Africa to the forefront of a global stage. The artists used their music to speak out on issues such as poverty, human rights, and social justice, making their contributions vital to the overarching message of Live 8.

The Live 8 Message: A Call to Action for Global Leaders

Live 8’s primary goal was to pressure the leaders of the G8 nations to act on global poverty. It was timed to coincide with the G8 summit in 2005, which was being held in Gleneagles, Scotland. Through these concerts, including the one at Eden, the message was clear: Africa needed urgent action to tackle debt, aid, and trade issues. The Eden Project concert helped amplify the voices of African artists, underlining the importance of addressing the continent’s challenges head-on.

The event also highlighted the connection between music, culture, and activism. The artists were not just performing for entertainment; they were using their platform to advocate for tangible change. The performance at Eden was a reminder of the importance of cultural representation and the role that music can play in social and political movements.

Legacy of the Live 8 Event at Eden Project

Although the Live 8 concert at Eden was just one part of a larger global movement, it holds a special place in music history due to the unique setting and the focus on African music. The Eden Project, with its emphasis on environmentalism and global unity, was an ideal venue for this event. The African artists who performed at Eden left a lasting impression, not only through their music but also through their call for social and political change.

The concert helped raise awareness for causes that continue to be important today. Issues like debt relief, fair trade, and sustainable development remain at the forefront of global discussions, and the Live 8 concert played a pivotal role in igniting these conversations on a larger scale.

Interesting Facts About the Live 8 Concert at Eden Project

• Unique Venue: The Eden Project was one of the few venues to focus entirely on African music, making it a standout location in the global Live 8 campaign.
• Iconic Performances: Legendary African artists like Youssou N’Dour and Miriam Makeba performed, using their platform to advocate for social change.
• Environmental Message: The Eden Project’s environmental ethos aligned with Live 8’s focus on sustainable development, making it a fitting location for the event.
• Live 8’s Global Reach: Although Eden was focused on African music, the event was part of a broader global movement with concerts in cities like London, Philadelphia, Paris, and Rome.
• Cultural Collaboration: The collaboration between African and Western musicians in performances like African Express symbolized the global unity the event sought to promote.

Conclusion: The Power of Music and Global Activism

The Eden Project’s Live 8 event was a significant moment in both music and activism. It not only showcased the richness and diversity of African music but also used that music as a platform for change. The performances at Eden continue to stand as a reminder of how art and culture can contribute to social justice, and how events like Live 8 can spark meaningful global discussions and actions.