On March 7th, 2025, the world will unite in Austin, Texas, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of “We Are the World,” originally released to aid Africa and symbolize unity. Amid current global challenges like war, climate change, and discrimination, the SXSW event aims to reignite the song’s message of hope and solidarity. Participants worldwide will sing together via an online karaoke platform, bridging physical and digital divides to showcase unity. The event will blend “glocal” (global and local) and “physical” (physical and digital) experiences, featuring A.R. performances, live artists, and audience participation.
Our mission is to use music and technology to foster unity and inspire renewed action. Broadcasting to cities like Times Square, Tokyo, and Seoul, we aim to share this message globally, reaffirming our commitment to compassion and collective action. Join us in this celebration, bringing the world closer through song.
Opening Date: March 7th, 2025
Event: SXSW (South by Southwest)
Location: Austin, Texas
Special Occasion: 40th Anniversary of "We Are the World"
Project Overview
On March 7th, 2025, the world will come together in Austin, Texas, to celebrate a monumental milestone - the 40th anniversary of the iconic campaign song, "We Are the World." Coinciding with the opening of the SXSW festival, this event aims to unite participants through music, technology, and global solidarity.
Project Concept
A modern reinterpretation of the classic song resonates with today's audience while reminding us of the power of collective action in addressing global challenges.
- Unified Performance: Kick-off SXSW with all attendees joining forces to sing "We Are the World," symbolizing unity and shared purpose.
- Global Participation: Feature international musicians, including K-pop stars, as Augmented Reality (A.R.) performers, showcasing global unity and technological innovation.
- Worldwide Broadcast: Stream the event to major cities around the globe, allowing people everywhere to partake in the celebration.
Project Co-Founder and Primary Partners
- Paul Joseph J. Kang - Project Creator in New York
- Casey Jenssen - Project Co-Creator in Austin
- Lisa Belcher - Film Producer & Director in Austin
- David Lucatch Bee Mee (A.I based Karaoke Platform) in Toronto
- (still looking for Project Partners)
Campaign components
- Sing together We’re the world at SXSW
- Everyone uploads the song that they sing on the Karaoke platform
- A.R. Performances: Use cutting-edge A.R. technology to bring K-pop singers, international artists, and even an A.R. rendition of Michael Jackson to life on stage.
- Immersive Experience: Create an unforgettable opening event for SXSW that leverages the latest entertainment technology.
Mission Statement for "Sing Again 'We're the World'" Event at the 40th Anniversary Celebration at SXSW 2025
On March 7th, 2025, the world will unite in Austin, Texas, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of "We Are the World." Originally released on March 7th, 1985, this iconic anthem was created to raise aid for Africa, embodying the spirit of unity and compassion. Today, as we face complex global challenges like war, conflicts in the Middle East, discrimination, climate change, and the plight of global human mobility, we aim to reignite the message of hope, unity, and solidarity that "We Are the World" represents.
This celebration at SXSW aims to inspire and remind us of our shared humanity, calling for renewed commitment and extended action. The core activity of this event is for all participants to sing this timeless anthem together, bridging physical and digital divides. Through an online karaoke platform, individuals from homes, schools, offices, and organizations worldwide will join in singing to showcase the spirit of unity. This global chorus will reflect the evolving purpose of "We Are the World," emphasizing the importance of addressing today's challenges together.
With a fusion of "glocal" (global and local) and "physical" (physical and digital) experiences, the event will blend A.R. performances, live artists, and audience participation. This immersive and unforgettable SXSW opening will remind us of our shared values and aspirations. A.R. renditions of Global stars and Michael Jackson (if it is possible) will enhance the experience, emphasizing the unifying power of technology and music.
Our mission is to leverage music and technology to reignite the power of unity and to remind us to get back to our origins with renewed action. By broadcasting the event to cities like Times Square, Tokyo, and Seoul, we aim to share this message worldwide, reaffirming our commitment to unity, compassion, and collective action. Join us in this inspiring celebration as we sing together in person and online, bringing the world closer through the power of song.
The Current Status
- Build Project Team:
- Development Team: Assemble a group of tech innovators to bring the A.R. visions to life.
- Event Organizer: Coordinate logistics to ensure a seamless and impactful event.
- SXSW Collaboration: Work closely with the SXSW team to integrate this special anniversary into the festival's opening.
- Working on Viral loop to invite people to sing together
- Plan on Kickstarter Campaign
- Shooting Statement Video in Austin - the 8th of June
- Working on Kickstarter Campaign Plan
- Seek Sponsorship:
- Kick-off Crowdfunding Campaign
- Identify and engage potential sponsors who align with the event's goals of unity, innovation, and global outreach.