We’re excited to announce that we have teamed up with Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM), and select AWAL artists will support and amplify the United Nations key messages to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Alaina Castillo, Gabrielle Aplin, Gus Dapperton, R3hab, YouMeAtSix and many more, have agreed to be involved in the multi-stage campaign to fight the spread of coronavirus. In the first phase, these artists and many more, have added their signature and personal #StoptheSpread messages to custom Zoom virtual backgrounds, available for free download at: https://www.zoomxun.awal.com/
The United Nations’s Global Call to Creatives
In March 2020, the United Nations reached out to the global creative community for help “translating critical public health messages into work that will engage and inform people across different cultures, languages, communities, and platforms.”
AWAL CEO Lonny Olinick said, “When we heard from the UN that they needed support to spread critical public health messages around COVID-19, we felt we could make a meaningful contribution – as did many of our artists. These artists reach millions of fans – young and old – across every continent. Something as simple as sharing a message while they Zoom with their fans can add up to a meaningful impact amid this crisis.”
“Musicians have a special connection with their fans and are in a unique position to spread these critical public health messages,” said Dawda Jobarteh, Global Head of UN SDG Strategy Hub. “We have been overwhelmed by the tremendous response from creators around the globe who have leaned in to help humanity in the face of this unprecedented crisis. AWAL’s commitment to engaging their roster and their own creative inspiration to this cause is exactly what we hoped for when we put out the call.”
Shift to a Virtual Music Business
In the wake of the unprecedented global quarantine, the music business, like much of the world, has moved to online. Meetings, showcases, and concerts are increasingly being streamed on Zoom, which recently surpassed 300 million daily meeting participants.
Zoom Head of International, Abe Smith, said, “With the creative global community increasingly turning to Zoom to stay connected with each other and their fans, we’re honored to harness our influence and support AWAL artists and the UN’s effort to spread these critical messages.”
AWAL Artist Involvement
Over the coming months, select AWAL artists will support the UN’s efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus through Zoom. This will include VIP artist meet and greets, customized Zoom virtual backgrounds fans can download, and more.
Said Gus Dapperton, “I’m very excited to be a part of this collaboration. It’s a great opportunity to support #stopthespread. Thank you for having me. Stay safe <33”
Said Alaina Castillo, “Super thankful to be able to participate in the initiative to support #stopthespread :). Hope you guys are safe and staying healthy & creative!”
