27 Million – that’s the number of slaves in the world today – more than any other time in human history.
To raise awareness of the anti-human trafficking movement, British worship leader Matt Redman and hip-hop/electro group LZ7 are releasing a single called “27 Million.”
Here’s the music video:
[tentblogger-youtube H1pthSgxTC0]
Here are some of the facts about modern day slavery:
- Human trafficking is an organised criminal activity that affects every nation.
- There are an estimated 27 million people on the earth today trapped in some form of modern day slavery.
- There are an estimated 1.39 million victims of commercial sexual servitude worldwide.
- Tragically, only 1-2% of victims are rescued.
- Remember every number is not just a statistic it represents the life of a victim.
You can find out more about modern day slavery at The A21 Campaign and more about the single at Matt Redman’s and LZ7’s sites.
The single is available to download from iTunes (USA), (UK), (Australia) and Amazon (UK).
This is a great chance to raise awareness the issue.
Spread the word and buy the track!
Eric J says
You can get it for $.99 on amazonMP3 http://www.amazon.com/Twenty-Seven-Million/dp/B0075PYUUY/ Also what is the story from the song are the proceeds of it going to slavery or is it just a PSA song where the artists/record label will get the usual royalties?
James Cooper says
Thanks for the link. Wasn’t on Amazon.com when I wrote the article!
The proceeds will go to The A21 Campaign (link in post) who are a charity primarily working in Greece and Ukraine (the main countries used to bring trafficked people in Europe and the west) and who also work with http://www.polarisproject.org/ in the USA.
Matt Redman and LZ7 both have long records of supporting these types of ministries in their work.
The single is also supported by the likes of Canon J John, Steve Chalke and Louie and Shelley Giglio.
Eric J says
Awesome thanks James.
Doug says
Are you sure that the proceeds are going to the A21 campaign? I’ve looked everywhere, and all I can see is where this single is going to “raise awareness.” I can’t find anywhere that even a portion of the proceeds go to A21. Do you have a link to your information?
James Cooper says
On the single’s FB page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/LZ7-Ft-Matt-Redman-27-Million/162768080496334): It only cost 99p, that money goes to A21 the people who help bring an end to human Trafficking…
Doug says
I don’t know who they have updating their facebook page, but I’m still not sure that this is true. Listen again to the youtube interview. They never say that any proceeds are going to A21. Look at A21’s facebook page. Other people say that all proceeds go to A21, but curiously A21 never says that. Look at the promotional material for the single. It always just says “raising awareness” or “supporting the work of the A21 campaign.” I think if the money from these sales were truly going to A21, it would be clearly stated over and over again by Matt Redman and A21. I hope that I am wrong, but I can’t find it yet.
Doug says
James, would you mind asking A21 on their webpage how much of the proceeds they receive. I think this song is a good thing even if it is just an awareness campaign, but I think that should be clear. People need to know where their money is going.
James Cooper says
I’ve asked and I’ll keep you updated as and when I hear anything! But as you say, even if it is to only ‘raise awareness’ still a great thing!
Doug says
Absolutely a great thing either way!
James Cooper says
till waiting to hear from A21. However, if you go on the LZ7 site: http://www.lz7.co.uk/ and go to the blog and the post on the ‘2’ – from 1st Nov 2011 (about the upcoming single) it says:
“This issue of human trafficking is very important to us and our good friends Matt and Beth Redman! We believe people should not be bought and sold as a product and we hope you all get behind A21 and support the launch of the single. All the money will go towards the prevention and protection of women and children affected by the sex trade.”
James Cooper says
Here’s a great interview with Matt & Beth Redman and Linz from LZ7 about what it’s all about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QoY52XnusA
Charles Specht says
Those stats make me angry!
James Cooper says
UPDATE! The song got to #12 on the UK Charts yesterday!