46664 ambassadors are musicians, artists and sportsmen and women who are committed to supporting 46664 and the mandate its takes forward to find new hands to lift the burdens.
Annie Lennox
Statement
“Ever since taking part in the launch of the 46664 campaign in 2003, I have been inspired to commit myself to trying to make a beneficial contribution in the struggle against HIV/AIDS.
“As Madiba says: ‘This is a human rights issue.’ My earnest wish is to see positive changes in personal, political and social spheres with regards to prevention and treatment. The scale of the effects of the pandemic is staggering. If it were taking place in wealthy Western countries, we would be in a state of total emergency.
“How much longer can we allow the genocide to continue?
“Twenty years ago, Eurythmics performed at London’s Wembley stadium in honour of Mr Mandela’s birthday. At that time, he was still incarcerated on Robben Island, and no-one from the ‘outside’ had seen him in years. Who would have believed that this exceptional man would emerge from prison, to become president of his country and create a new democratic system, where everyone was entitled to participate?
”I believe that the Free Nelson Mandela concert contributed in a significant way to the build up of international awareness of the unacceptability of the evils of apartheid, and the collective demand for change.
”Under systems of social and political injustice and oppression, the communicating force of music has always carried information and messages.
”It is a specific channel for collective inspiration, focus and expression.
“It is the ultimate vehicle for consciousness shifting. Madiba understands this very well indeed. That is why he has called on the music world to help him convey the message that an unspeakable genocide has been taking place in his country and across the entire sub-Saharan continent for almost two decades. It is down to us to spread the word in every way we can.
”How many more millions must die before we can respond effectively to the pandemic of HIV/AIDS? How many more generations must be wiped out? The issue is complex, but essentially it’s a simple choice. Do we turn away and deny what is taking place, or do we attempt to do something?
”In November 2003, I had the privilege of performing at the launch of the 46664 Foundation in Cape Town. Subsequently, I appeared at two more events in George in South Africa, and in Tromsø in Norway.
”Please become active and participate with us. You are the change.”
About
As an innovator and a symbol of excellence, Annie Lennox has been a beacon among vocalists for the last three decades and a conscience for the entire world.
As a singer, songwriter and performer, both as a solo artist and with Eurythmics, Annie has been registering hits since 1981, selling tens of millions of singles and albums.
Along the way, she has also been a tireless campaigner for human rights especially on the issue of HIV/AIDS and its impact on women and children’s lives.
She is an ambassador for Oxfam, Nelson Mandela’s 46664 campaign, Amnesty International, Greenpeace and a supporter of numerous other organisations.
In December 2006, Annie invited 23 female superstar voices to record an anthemic song entitled Sing to draw attention to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, focusing on South Africa, where women and children are most badly affected.
The track appeared on her fourth solo album Songs Of Mass Destruction,
released in late 2007.
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, 17-year-old Annie moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music. While there, she met Dave Stewart and the two formed the Tourists, which released three albums in two years. After the act broke up in 1979, Annie Lennox and Stewart formed the duo Eurythmics.
December 1, 2008, World AIDS Day, was the first anniversary of the SING Campaign, which supports the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC). Lennox continues to work with the TAC to implement effective changes at a community level.
Annie has been honoured with various humanitarian awards for the great work she does campaigning for people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa. These include, the Red Cross Humanitarian award, the Youth AIDS award and the Radio Regenbogen 2009 Charity award.
Last September Annie hosted the launch of the Amnesty Arts Fund. The Amnesty Arts Fund brings together people who believe passionately in freedom of expression and projects that inspire creative activism around the world.
Annie was presented with the Award of Merit at the 2008 American Music Awards. Previous honourees include Prince, Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond.
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