Burna Boy Unveils Empowering Anthem 'Higher' in Tribute to Port Harcourt

Burna Boy Unveils Empowering Anthem 'Higher' in Tribute to Port Harcourt Jun, 28 2024

Burna Boy Unveils Empowering Anthem 'Higher' in Tribute to Port Harcourt

GRAMMY Award-winning artist Burna Boy continues to impress, not just through his musical prowess, but also through his unyielding commitment to his roots. His latest release, a soul-stirring track titled 'Higher', is a heartfelt tribute to his hometown, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. This new anthem isn't just about uplifting melodies and catchy lyrics; it’s part of a much broader, impactful initiative called Project PROTECT.

Project PROTECT is an ambitious endeavor founded by Burna Boy to tackle systemic violence and poverty head-on. The initiative provides financial, medical, and legal assistance where it's needed most, offering a safety net for communities who often find themselves marginalized. With this backdrop, 'Higher' isn't just a song, it's a call to action and a beacon of hope for many.

Higher - The Song and Its Vision

The release of 'Higher' is strategically aligned with the goals of Project PROTECT. The lyrics are a blend of inspirational messages urging individuals to rise above hardships, much like the residents of Port Harcourt strive to do daily. Burna Boy's unique style and emotive delivery bring the words to life, creating an anthem that resonates on multiple levels.

The music video, directed by Burna Boy and the talented Asurf, adds another layer of depth to the project. Premiering on the same day as the song, the video offers a visual journey into Burna Boy's return to his hometown. What makes it even more compelling is its focus on genuine human interactions rather than staged scenes. The footage shows Burna Boy and volunteers from Project PROTECT partnering with The R.E.A.C.H., an organization dedicated to providing essential supplies and creating sustainable solutions in over 21 communities.

Documenting Real Change

Documenting Real Change

The video vividly showcases the act of giving back. It captures the distribution of food, medical supplies, and educational resources to villages that have been underserved for far too long. There's a palpable sense of community and shared purpose as Burna Boy interacts with those he aims to uplift. His presence and the tangible support offered by Project PROTECT and The R.E.A.C.H. are more than charitable acts; they represent a sustained commitment to making a difference.

Education and healthcare are two pillars of this initiative. Significant contributions to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital are highlighted in the video, emphasizing the project's broader vision. The hospital, a crucial healthcare institution, has benefited from Project PROTECT's resources, which aim to enhance medical care and facilities. The educational initiatives, equally robust, focus on providing children with better learning materials and opportunities, setting them up for a brighter future.

Inspiring a Movement

The overarching message of 'Higher' is to inspire higher thinking and selfless acts within the community. Burna Boy's efforts go beyond just financial contributions; he's fostering a culture of giving and mutual support. By sharing his platform and resources, he encourages others to contribute in their own ways, cultivating a ripple effect of generosity and social responsibility.

The impact of Project PROTECT and The R.E.A.C.H. is measurable and significant. Over 11,000 lives have been directly affected by their work, which extends far beyond mere survival. These initiatives aim to improve the quality of life, bringing long-term, sustainable solutions to pressing issues. This isn't about temporary fixes; it's about laying down a foundation for lasting change.

The Journey Continues

The Journey Continues

The release of 'Higher' is just one milestone in what promises to be a long and fruitful journey. Burna Boy is also continuing his acclaimed 'I Told Them...Tour', which brings his music and message to a broader audience. Upcoming performances include a highly anticipated show at the London Stadium on June 29 and a headline slot on the Pyramid Stage at the UK's iconic Glastonbury Festival on June 30.

These performances are more than just concerts; they're platforms to amplify the causes he holds dear. By intertwining his art with activism, Burna Boy is carving out a unique space in the music industry—one where artists don't just entertain, but also lead movements for social change. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for music to be a force for good, a medium through which real-world issues can be addressed and alleviated.

As fans and critics alike celebrate the release of 'Higher', the hope is that the song's message transcends the airwaves and inspires meaningful action. Burna Boy's journey is a testament to what can be achieved when one leverages their talents and resources for the greater good. Through Project PROTECT and his unwavering dedication to his hometown, Burna Boy is not just telling his story—he's helping others write their own.

6 Comments

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    Shalini Ambastha

    June 30, 2024 AT 10:50
    This is what real leadership looks like. Not just singing about change but showing up, handing out food, fixing hospitals, and putting kids first. Port Harcourt needed this. Burna Boy didn’t just make a song-he built a movement. And the video? No filters, no glam. Just real people, real pain, real hope.

    Too many artists use their platform for clout. He uses it to heal.
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    Amanda Kelly

    June 30, 2024 AT 16:15
    Honestly, it’s exhausting how every African artist now feels obligated to ‘do good’ just to seem profound. This isn’t activism-it’s PR with a music video. He’s still selling albums. The hospital donations? Tax write-offs disguised as charity. And don’t get me started on ‘The R.E.A.C.H.’-who even are they? No transparency. No audits. Just vibes.
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    Jessica Herborn

    June 30, 2024 AT 19:11
    i mean like... the real question is not if burna boy is doing good but if we as a society are ready to recieve it? like... true change requires inner transformation first right? like how can we uplift communities if we're still trapped in the matrix of scarcity mindset? i think the song 'higher' is actually a mirror... not a tool. the music is just the vessel. the real work is inside us. we have to become the change. not wait for celebrities to fix it for us. also i think he misspelled 'protecct' in the video credits? or was that intentional? art is messy.
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    Lakshmi Narasimham

    July 2, 2024 AT 14:15
    You think this is impressive? I’ve seen villages in Bihar get better aid from local NGOs with 10k budgets than this. Burna Boy’s team probably spent 10x more on the video than on actual supplies. And that ‘11,000 lives affected’? That’s a marketing number. How many got consistent healthcare? How many got sustainable jobs? No follow-up data. No metrics. Just a pretty song and a camera crew.

    Real change doesn’t need a Grammy winner to show up with a backpack.
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    Madhuri Singh

    July 4, 2024 AT 03:00
    man i just watched the video and cried. not because it’s fancy but because i saw my cousin in that little girl getting the school bag. same street. same sun. same hope. burna boy didn’t come to save anyone. he came to say hey, we see you. and that’s more than most ever do.

    stop overthinking it. sometimes a song and a meal is enough.
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    Amanda Dempsey

    July 4, 2024 AT 12:35
    Performing at Glastonbury while pretending to care about poverty is the ultimate hypocrisy. He’s monetizing suffering. The music is good but the optics are garbage. No one’s auditing his foundation. No one’s asking where the money went. Just applaud and move on.

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