Generations of activists have been inspired by John Lennon's "Imagine," but the song will take on a whole new meaning — and sound — as of today. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child (which was ratified by the General Assembly on Nov. 20, 1989), UNICEF is joining forces with Yoko Ono and producer and DJ David Guetta to launch the #IMAGINE project — the world's largest sing-along to bring awareness to UNICEF and its global mission.
The project is a multimedia happening with global stars like Katy Perry, Will.i.am, Idris Elba, Seth Green, Angelique Kidjo, Daniela Mercury, and Priyanka Chopra lending their voices to a black and white video recording of the legendary "Imagine." Lennon and Ono's voices can be heard in clips from old recordings. Through a free, downloadable app, individuals can record themselves singing "Imagine" next to their favorite singers along with their thoughts on a better world for kids. The recordings can then be shared with families, friends, and UNICEF. In late December, Guetta will compile all of the celebrity and individual recordings into a track that will make its debut on Jan. 1 simultaneously in Times Square and around the world.
The project was announced with great fanfare at the United Nations this morning. Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness were on hand to introduce Ono. Ono hopes that the recording will bring some light to the dark times the world is experiencing. Björn Ulvaeus, from ABBA, announced that the group's song "Chiquitita," which they performed on the same UN stage back in 1979, has generated more than $4 million in donations to UNICEF through the years. Starting today, any further money raised from the song will be donated to UNICEF programs for young girls.
To participate in the program:
Appearing in the video, in order of appearance, are: