New DVD release to benefit displaced and refugees from Darfur

A new DVD, called "Voices for Darfur," has been released by EMI. It features all the songs from a special concert held last year at the Royal Albert Hall in London to raise funds for UNHCR's work in Darfur and Chad. The stars who sang at the concert include Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens); Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders; Mick Hucknall from Simply Red; Antony Costa from Blue; Moloko singer Roisin Murphy; Ruthie Henshall; Mario Frangoulis; Sir Willard White; and UNHCR's Goodwill Ambassador Barbara Hendricks. The performers were accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra throughout the evening. Most of the songs performed were Cole Porter compositions.

The DVD also contains additional exclusive songs by Sade, David Gray and Franz Ferdinand. Sade wrote and recorded her first new track in four years, "Mum", especially for the DVD. David Gray, who had to pull out of the concert due to voice problems, later recorded "Ain't No Love" for the DVD, and British band Franz Ferdinand also recorded a message and a song for the evening, which is included on the DVD. The DVD includes some interesting backstage footage of all the artists.

The DVD is now in stores across Europe and in Australia, and will soon be released in North America and Japan as well. 'Voices for Darfur,' EMI Catalogue Marketing No. 544 7399, is available from major online music distributors and record stores. All proceeds will benefit UNHCR's operations in Chad and Sudan.