Last week I had the pleasure of talking to Cambel McLaughlin, the founder of Jam for Freedom.
Cambel started the pioneering musical project on Hampstead Heath in London, December 20th 2020. Sick of draconian government measures, he wanted to get as many musicians as possible to meet, join up, and play together in solidarity. To "jam" for freedom.
The movement quickly went from strength to strength. In 2021 and 2022 Jam for Freedom garnered support from music legends Eric Clapton and Van Morrison, played at dozens of protests, undertook months of tireless touring around the UK and Ireland (despite so-called restrictions), welcomed more and more musicians to their collective and empowered thousands of people to step away from fear and refuse to comply with ridiculous instructions that didn't make sense. All thanks to the power of music.
It's grown so much that this summer will see the first Jam for Freedom Festival. Like their other events, it promises to be an oasis of positivity and infinite possibility in an increasingly strange world. Between August 4-6 you can see some of the best musicians in the world, eat organic food, do yoga, wild swim and watch comedy and talks. I'll be there and it's an honour to be involved.
There are many forms of activism. Protesting, leafleting and outreach work certainly have their place. Indeed, while government control was at its height, many of Cambel's friends would hand out leaflets at their gigs about face masks, jabs, injections and lockdown. But it was the music that set the tone for the action, music that uplifts and inspires, a very powerful form of activism based on joy and unity.
The scientific process cannot be separated from art. Genius is a creative energy whatever discipline you specialise in and certainly not based on reason and deduction. Most geniuses receive inspiration out of the blue, often in dreams and quiet moments of contemplation, and swiftly act on it. What Cambel has achieved is something akin to genius. He had a flash of inspiration of something positive he wanted to achieve, and he did it. Like all great ideas, it's taken on a life of its own, getting bigger and better. That we need this kind of inspiration, courage, and energy to create a better way for a better world is indisputable.
I was thrilled to sit down and chat with Cambel. Too often, we look to the big, established acts to provide music and encourage an attitude that fosters a much-needed counter narrative to the establishment. However, what Cambel and his grass roots team have achieved is to bring new voices to the story.
Yes there were giants, like Clapton and Van Morrison who performed a few covid songs over the last three years but they've gone quiet now. The real change, as we are seeing, is coming from the next generation. People like the brave and beautiful Zolani Mahola who penned this spiritual classic Remember Who You Are. You can watch it here:
Zolani is also part of a very, very special musical collaboration with songwriter Kurt Shore that will soon be revealed – do watch this space! An epic anthem for all the gentle warriors attending this year’s Better Way Conference in Bath in June and beyond. Whether you're coming in person or attending online we'll have our own special theme song for the weekend which we’ll be sharing with you very soon.
Cambel, Jam for Freedom and Zolani Mahola are a generation forging a better way. Listen carefully to the better way changes they are bringing with their music, lyrics and festival. A good place to start is with this interview. Enjoy.
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