Archived // Cover Story

POWER IN MUSIC: Bono
Lead singer of U2
By: Nicole Bruno & Mimi Makabi

When people think of rock n’ roll singers, humanitarian is not usually the first thought that comes to mind. As the front man of U2, one of the most popular and influential rock bands of the last 30 years, Bono is a figure adored and admired both within and outside the music industry.  As a rock star, his music with U2 has earned him legions of devoted fans across the world, while as a humanitarian and crusader for the world's poor, he has gained deep respect from politicians and global statesmen as well as music fans.

With his rare ability to effectively straddle the spheres of both entertainment and politics, Bono has not only shattered the common misconception of rock n’ roll singers, but has been determined to change the world for the better and continues to inspire millions as well.  However, through it all, keeping a balance was not always an easy task. “There are many side roads and back streets to rock n’ roll,” says Bono. “Most of us get lost down them at times.” Fortunately for Bono, getting lost has helped him to realize the importance of enjoying the life he has been given and sharing his gifts with the world. “As a rock star I have two instincts; I want to have fun and I want to change the world. I have the chance to do both.” Bono’s success, along with his compassion for others, has helped shape him into the person that he is today and people all over the world have honored his accomplishments. Bono was granted an honorary knighthood by the Queen of England and has been named Time Magazine's "Person of the Year" and is the only person who has ever been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, Academy Award, Golden Globe and Grammy.   The singer’s goal today is still to end extreme poverty, but in essence, he wants justice. Bono uses the music at his concerts to draw attention to conflict areas around the world. “Music can change the world; it can change people,” says Bono. "When you sing, you make people vulnerable to change in their lives. You make yourself vulnerable to change in your life. But in the end, you've got to become the change you want to see in the world."  Doggedly committed to the cause, the singer holds press conferences and fearlessly meets with world leaders and policy makers as he supports dozens of charities, --some he has helped create. In March 2002, Bono joined Bob Geldof, Bobby Shriver, Jamie Drummond and Lucy Matthew to create a new advocacy organization called DATA (debt, AIDS, trade, Africa). As its name implies, DATA was created to press the governments of developed nations to do their part in the fight against extreme poverty in Africa, with a focus on debt relief, AIDS treatment and prevention and reform of unfair trade rules.

Also in 2002, Bono teamed with Bobby Shriver and created (RED), a business model combined with consumerism and altruism to raise awareness and money for African AIDS programs, with a focus on women and children. By teaming up with the world's most iconic brands such as American Express, Apple Inc., Starbucks  and Gap, they  produce (PRODUCT) RED branded products, in which a  percentage of the profit  is given to the Global Fund. Since then, consumers have generated more than $22 million

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