Exciting times: Black Eyed Pease reunite for remake of 2003 hit

Group revives ‘Where is the Love?’ for world peace

Even 13 years after the release of Where is the Love?, Black Eyed Peas remains as relevant as ever. So far, 2016 has no doubt been a tumultuous year, following events like the attacks in Paris, mass shootings in the US and the ongoing war in Syria, just to name a few. In this connection, the popular American band has reunited for a star-studded remake of their 2003 hit and call mankind back to consciousness, reports MTV.

Justin Timberlake and Black Eyed Peas alum Fergie are back on vocal duties for the updated, more sombre arrangement of the song, which includes spoken wisdom from DJ Khaled and vocal runs from legendary RnB singer Mary J Blige.

There are also joint verses from A$AP Rocky and Jaden Smith while P Didddy, Usher, Jamie Foxx, The Game, Tori Kelly, Nicole Scherzinger and Andra Day have also lent their voices.

An accompanying black and white video for the new Where is the Love? boasts a slew of celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Vanessa Hudgens, Snoop Dogg, Lance Bass, Rosario Dawson, Shailene Woodley and LL Cool J. Most importantly, however, the video includes appearances from the family members of those affected by gun violence, namely Alto Sterling’s aunt and Philando Castile’s mother.

In another video, Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am shed light on why they decided to remake the song. “I remember when the attacks in Paris happened. People would call and say that we needed Where is the Love? again,” he shared. “And then Belgium happened, followed by Turkey. Then Orlando happened. Then there was Philando and Alton before him and then Dallas. Everyone was calling on us like, ‘We need that song’!”

All earnings from the updated version of Where is the Love? will go to will.i.am’s charity, i.am.angel. The institution funds educational programmes and provides scholarships to college students. In the meantime, a website by the name of www.whereisthelove.com has also been set up to encourage fans to donate to charities working on the events that inspired the remake.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3^rd, 2016.

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