Various Artists. Voices for Dafur: Gala Performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London (DVD)

Sept 5, 2005 (LONDON) - Nine months ago, a group of artists got together to sing and raise funds for the victims of the Darfur crisis. Today, they’ve released a DVD featuring the concert as well as exclusive songs and images in support of UNHCR’s work in the region.

The new DVD, "Voices for Darfur", was released by EMI today in the United Kingdom. It features artists who took part in the December 8 concert in London, including Yusuf Islam, Chrissie Hynde, Mick Hucknall, Nicole Russo of the Brand New Heavies, Moloko singer Roisin Murphy, Ruthie Henshall, Sir Willard White, and UNHCR’s longest-serving Goodwill Ambassador, Barbara Hendricks.

"I hope this will once again show that music has the power to make a difference and save lives," said Antony Costa of Blue, who sang "Moondance" on the DVD.

Sade wrote and recorded her first new track in four years, "Mum", especially for the DVD, accompanied by images from Darfur. David Gray, who had to pull out of the concert due to voice problems, recorded "Ain’t No Love" for the DVD.

British band Franz Ferdinand was also unable to attend the concert but provided a song for the evening and donated half of their Mercury Music prize money. Coldplay also contributed generously.

The DVD includes additional backstage footage of all artists expressing their views on the Darfur conflict and explaining their decision to perform for free.