Concept

Beaded guitars handmade in Soweto

Music4Life is an income generating initiative developped by Designing Hope and Ithemba for groups of women and younger people affected by HIV/AIDS and powerty in Soweto - South Africa.
It is combining the tradition of bead work with a very modern and hip application:
guitar broches and decorated T-shirts.

Women meet at the Malebese premises in Soweto, regain confidence and self esteem,
and generate some susbstential income.


Interpretation of the message by French singer "Zazie" - right: women involved in the project in Soweto.

Older unemployed children above 16 are being have been trained to prepare the wooded structure of the guitars. Jigsaws and other equipements have been supplied in the center, and they have been trained to cut the different models of guitars.
Some will be asked to develop their creativity and design their own guitars, develop new shapes and patterns. They also designed wire stands to hold the guitars.


Interpretation of the message by French singer "La Grande Sophie"

Music4life - 15 pop stars invited to support the campaign
"I Love You positive or Negative"

In order to sensibilize the public, pop stars have been asked to sign and personalize the message,
and bring their support to the campaign.

Keren Ann, Johnny Clegg, M, Tom Mc Rae, Véronique Sanson, la Grande Sophie, Alain Souchon, Chris Stills, Tété, Laurent Voulzy, Zazie are already supporting the campaign.

Left, Chris Stills interpreting 4 songs during the evening. Right, French TV presenter Laurent Baffie presenting
Véronique Sanson's signature during the auction. (Photos www. veronique-sanson.net)

Prototypes and original messages signed by the artists, and an exclusive real guitar offered by Gibson and signed by all artists have been auctioned on the 22nd of November 2005 by Remy Le Fur at the Intercontinental Grand Hotel Paris to the exclusive profit of Dessine l'Espoir to fund its actions in Africa.



Interpretation of the message by French singer Véronique Sanson

A project supported by: Intercontinental Grand Hotel Paris, Belgian Technical Cooperation, Fried freres, Gibson, Creanog & Optimark.