Biko | Peter Gabriel | Playing For Change | Song Around The World

“You can blow out a candle, but you can't blow out a fire. Once the flames begin to catch, the wind will blow it higher.” – Peter Gabriel, Biko

In honor of Black History Month, we are proud to bring the message of Peter Gabriel’s “Biko” back to the forefront, 40 years after its initial release. Inspired by the death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko while in police custody, this song’s relevance still holds true with the unfortunate police brutality that continues to take place in the USA, Nigeria and many places around the world. More than 25 musicians from seven countries join Gabriel for this global rendition to share a message of unity, peace, and hope, including Beninese vocalist and activist Angélique Kidjo, Silkroad’s Yo-Yo Ma, and bass legend Meshell Ndegeocello.

The eyes of the world are watching… Let each of us lead with love and let that love ripple throughout the universe.

Produced by Sebastian Robertson and Mark Johnson

MORE FROM PETER GABRIEL

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

GET SOCIAL

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS IN MAKING CHANGE:
Corning® Gorilla® Glass launched in 2007. Since its inception, Gorilla Glass has become the glass of choice for mobile consumer electronics manufacturers around the globe. The patented, durable glass technology has been designed into more than 8 billion consumer electronic devices by more than 45 major OEMs. Formed through Corning’s proprietary fusion draw process and strengthened through an ion-exchange process, Corning Gorilla Glass continues to deliver industry-leading performance and durability with a thin, pristine surface that is ideal for the mobile consumer electronics industry as well as automotive applications.

Audio-Technica—Audio pioneer in high-performance sound design

Playing For Change (PFC) is a movement created to inspire and connect the world through music, born from the shared belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. The primary focus of PFC is to record and film musicians performing in their natural environments and combine their talents and cultural power in innovative videos called Songs Around The World. Creating these videos motivated PFC to form the Playing For Change Band—a tangible, traveling representation of its mission, featuring musicians met along their journey; and establish the Playing For Change Foundation—a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting music programs for children around the world. Through these efforts, Playing For Change aims to create hope and inspiration for the future of our planet.

[brotherminneiro]

I'm from Brazil and no matter where on planet Earth you are from, if you are against racism, social injustice and slavery, then you are my brother!

[vomitingconfetti]

Peter Gabriel deserves to be a recipient of Kennedy Honors. Give this man his due.

[grailm]

Peter looked out from the stage in 1987, after leading the crowd in several rounds of the "Biko" chorus, said "the rest is up to you, " then left the stage without another word. I was a 23-year-old numbnuts, but that cut through young callowness (and more than my share of cheap beer) to send an electric shiver from my neck down my spine. I have the same reaction every time I hear this song, but this treatment notched it up several volts. Wow.

[annevogle]

I listened to Peter Gabriel’s music while expecting my second child, it cut so deep. I. Couldn’t explain it. The Album was us. My Son is now An amazing Adult. He is named after him. Gabriel

[stoffls]

Almost 50 years later and the power of this song still gets me. And what a great rendition!

[Guardup]

This may be Peter Gabriel’s crowning achievement in a long and profoundly accomplished career.

[KathySkubik]

Forty years later and still can’t hear this without crying.

[MitchelCohen]

"The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed." - Steve Biko

[gerritmoeller]

In my opinion Peter Gabriel is one of the most important artists on the planet.

[Kunsoo]

This song is how many folks in the US first learned about South African apartheid.

[QueerAndUnplugged]

And at 7 years old, I asked my immigrant Grandma "Where is God"? "God, " she replied "Is in the music. ALWAYS in the music". I never forgot that advice.

[craigchalloner]

Certain music just talks straight to the soul. And without knowing why you find yourself on the edge of tears.
In this modern world, music like this has never been more welcome.

[MrOvershoot]

Made me cry, but in a good way through remembering my wife she loved the original and Peter's work, I miss you so much Carolyn.

[UbenHinyosa]

This always been my favorite Peter Gabriel song. I 1st heard this song in 81. I was 19 then. Moving

[wolfetom]

That song has been a crusher for me for 40 years. I think this version is more moving than the original.

[andrescalleroruiz]

Today is Peter's birthday. And it's my father's birthday, too. He's now not in this Earth, but we went together to the historical concert in 1988 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I remember it like it was today. 70000 thousand candles singing Biko. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. And I see this version now and it's impossible not to cry. El resto depende de nosotros oh oh ohh !!! LOVE.

[mnemosine]

"the greatest weapon in the hands of the oppressor are the minds of the oppressed"
- Stephen Biko.
What a mind, what a hero.

May those minds become freer and freer, and many the oppressors crumble to dust.

[FarrellMcGovern]

One of the most powerful moments I have ever experienced at a music concert was when Peter Gabriel played Ottawa, Ontario Canada, and his final song was Biko. The crowd chanted the final part of the song for it seemed like ten minutes after the band had left the stage. This new version, to me, is just as powerful.

[hrothgleas]

Gods...so many tears.

Freaking Ma, the a capella group, the pipes, the Taiko drummers...

[edrozenrozen]

This song, this version is brilliant on EVERY level. It has soul, it has beauty, it has greatness. This is truly an outstanding work to be remembered for generations.