Brooke Fraser

Brooke Fraser, the award-winning singer/song writer from New Zealand has been associated with World Vision since 2001. Compelled to experience Africa for herself, Brooke traveled to Rwanda alone in June 2005 which inspired the title of her second album “Albertine”. She has also visited another sponsored child in Cambodia, and visited World Vision aid projects in Tanzania.

She is a strong advocate for aid and child sponsorship.

“I don’t have any grandiose illusions,” Brooke says. “But I hope that I can play a little part. I would rather be considered a fool for thinking I can make a difference than for not doing anything at all.”

Watch Brooke's song 'Faith without deeds is dead'

To find out more about Brooke Fraser, visit brookefraser.com

Cameron Semmens

Cameron is both poet – having published many books and CDs of his poetry – and performer – he brings his unique brand of entertainment and insight to people around Australia. He makes his living through words running workshops, performing and selling his books. He lives in Melbourne with his wife Sonya, who is also a writer, and his baby son Spencer who can't write a word.

"World Vision approached me at a time in my life when I wanted to use my skills as a poet and performer for more than just myself. I soon found that by writing about issues of social change, I had to face my own presumptions and prejudices. This has challenged me to live far more responsibly and consciously, because when I don't – the earth suffers and other people suffer, especially the poor, who are always the most vulnerable. I believe that everyone can be part of world change – even poets! With words, and by faith, I seek to encourage others to creatively engage of the big, global issues of our time – poverty, equality and the environment."

To find out more about Cameron, visit webcameron.com

Ezereve

Ezereve's story is unique. She looks beautiful, she sings like an angel, but that is only the start of it. This remarkable woman, a mother of three children, has devoted her talent to raising awareness of issues she is passionate about. Her lyrics are incredibly profound, as well as enlightening. And her soft guitar strumming ensures the stories she feels compelled to tell are listened to and remembered. Ezereve is especially passionate about World Vision’s Child Rescue and Don't Trade Lives Campaign.

'I want to be the voice for those who don't have a voice' [Ezereve]

To find out more about Ezereve, visit ezereve.com

Georgia Germein

Sponsoring a child as a family and regularly participating in the 40 hour famine, Georgia was aware of the incredible difference World Vision made in helping the poorest people in the world. An opportunity to visit World Vision projects while singing and playing her guitar with poor Nepalese families, Georgia saw how powerful the language of music can lift the spirits of the marginalized.

Georgia is passionate about using her music with a message to inspire, unite, motivate, encourage and empower others to stand up and speak out for the poor of the world. In 2010 Georgia shared her gift with over 35,000 school students across South Australia, Melbourne and Sydney, successfully toured Malaysia, and also recorded her debut album ‘Take My Hand’, produced with Ian Pritchett (Angus & Julia Stone and the Beautiful Girls).

To find out more about Georgia Germein, visit georgiagermein.com.au

Juliagrace

With a twinkle in her eye and lyrics that promise “a diamond out of every stone”; Juliagrace is a serious artist with serious appeal. The plucky mother-of-two embraces her down to earth experience with beautiful songs and sparkling wit, engaging audiences all over the globe.

“I am a huge supporter of the work of World Vision having seen firsthand in Cambodia the difference they can make in so many lives. The people I met work hard to support their families and do the best they know how for those they love in the face of such hardship however with the support of World Vision they have a much brighter future”. [Juliagrace]

To find out more about Juliagrace, visit juliagrace.net

Levi McGrath

From helping to rehabilitate former child soldiers through World Vision Uganda, to social work on the streets of Melbourne, Australia, singer/songwriter/ activist Levi McGrath demonstrates a deep desire to change society for the better that goes beyond his 24 years. He is passionately committed to the belief that music is one of the most powerful influences in the world. That's why this recording and performing artist aims to for his music to motivate and inspire a new generation of people who are willing to stand up and make a difference.

To find out more about Levi, visit levimcgrath.com

MarKia

MarKia is the definition of a true artist; innovative in words, creative in style, and passionate in heart. Being one of the pioneering forces behind the ever-growing gospel Hip-Hop scene in Australia, MarKia has been successful in delivering his music and message across the globe. MarKia’s musical gifting is extensive; a seasoned writer, producer, singer and rapper.

With his Sri-Lankan roots, MarKia is fully aware of the affects of poverty. His heart is for the youth in Australia and to engage the Australian public on issues of global poverty.

“I believe you can transform a generation if you take the time to understand them.  Hip-hop is a universal language which poisons millions of young people with derogatory and demeaning messages. But if that message is changed, the listeners will be changed as well. Through World Vision, I know there is hope for those that have been affected by the effects of poverty. [MarKia] 

To find out more about the MarKia, visit fiveoneent.com

Melbourne Gospel Choir

Over the last three years, The Melbourne Gospel Choir has performed a set of Gospel songs, tracing the origins of Gospel music amongst the slaves of North America. Their research into historic slavery brought to light some facts about current day slavery, particularly of children. The members of the Choir are passionate about being advocates to abolish child slavery, still affecting over 27 million people globally. Because of World Vision’s broad spectrum of programs aimed at eradicating child slavery practises, the Choir has partnered with World Vision to increase public awareness and raise funds to combat this scourge on humanity.

To find out more about the Melbourne Gospel Choir, visit melbournegospelchoir.com

Parachute Band

Unlike most their age, the Parachute Band boys spend most of their year living out of a suitcase, trekking to churches and events around the globe. They are a team of like-hearted musicians with one purpose: to translate an ancient message into sounds that could be understood on city streets.

“We believe that worship and justice are not simply two separate subjects, vaguely linked, but one intrinsically linked attitude of valuing Gods heart as we pursue him. There cannot be one without the other, and we're passionate about following the heartbeat of God as expressed in Isaiah 58. It says to truly fast is to: "loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke… to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter". [Sam de Jong – Parachute Band]

To find out more about Parachute Band, visit parachutemusic.com/parachuteband/

Seasons

Seasons is an exciting new rock band from Sydney, Australia, featuring Hayley Jensen, Sam Young, Peter Wright and Nate Cairns. Prior to joining Seasons, vocalist Hayley placed 4th in the second series of Australian Idol and pursued a solo career where she formed her own record label, performed for Coalition Forces in the Middle East and for the Prime Minister on Australia Day.

Since forming in 2010, Seasons have played alongside Switchfoot, Stan Walker, Evermore and many other great artists. They have appeared at some of the biggest festivals in the country including Easterfest (20,000), The Big Exo Day (15,000), Blackstump Festival (3,000) and Parachute Festival in New Zealand (30,000).

In 2011, Seasons partnered with World Vision Australia as a Vision Artist. Sharing the same passion as World Vision, Seasons hopes to be a voice for people without a voice. Through their music and advocacy, Seasons are looking to educate and challenge others in the areas of social welfare and justice, and encourage them to be involved in the solution.

To find out more about Seasons, visit their Facebook page.

Sons of Korah

Sons of Korah bring a unique contemporary flavour to a traditional idea. The biblical psalms have preoccupied composers and song writers for millennia. They have been the primary source for the worship traditions of both Judaism and Christianity going right back to ancient times. With their unique acoustic, multi-ethnic sound Sons of Korah have achieved an intriguing re-creation of the musical drama of the psalms. Sons of Korah have put the Word of God and music together in a dynamic and captivating way in order to lead their listeners into an impacting encounter with the heart of the bible. From lamentation to songs of jubilant praise, from battle cry to benediction, from exclamation of awe and wonder to reflections of tranquillity and perfect wisdom, Sons of Korah provide a compelling portrait of the world and experience of the psalms.

“The psalms are enshrined in the bible as perfect expressions of the longing of the Spirit in a broken world. Whether in lamentation or songs of jubilant praise there is always the undying hope for a better world to be ushered by God through his people. The psalms give powerful expression to the ever-present biblical anticipation of the coming Kingdom of God, not as an 'other-worldly' historical event but as an ongoing movement of Gods people overcoming evil and effecting peace and justice on the earth. We feel increasingly compelled to ensure that our musical expression of the psalms becomes a part of their historical fulfilment. World Vision's central mandate is to implement this very agenda and, as we partner with them, our hope is to encourage people, not to just practice charity, but to orient their lives by the world vision of the psalms.” [ Dr Matthew Jacoby - Sons of Korah]

To find our more about Sons of Korah, visit sonsofkorah.com

Soweto Gospel Choir

Heralded as the most exciting group to emerge in world music in recent years, two-time Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir returns to Australia in 2011 with a brand new show, African Grace.

Since its foundation in 2002, the choir has performed to sell-out crowds at the greatest concert halls across the globe and alongside superstars including Bono, Queen, Celine Dion, John Legend, Peter Gabriel, Josh Groban, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. The choir's 26 singers, dancers and musicians perform traditional and contemporary songs infused with spirit.

Soweto Gospel Choir have chosen to partner with World Vision on their tour in Australia and New Zealand during 2011.

To find out more about Soweto Gospel Choir, visit sowetogospelchoir.com