A STUDENT at the University of Derby is attempting to use his gift for making music to help people affected by the crisis in Syria.
Joe Lambert, 24, is in the final year of a music technology and production degree and has recorded a hip-hop single about the effects of war to increase awareness of the Syria crisis and raise money for the victims.
Released under Joe's recording name, Rehmidi, the single is entitled War and contains a sample of legendary reggae singer Bob Marley's track of the same name.
Joe has already sold a number of copies of the song and the video has received more than 500 views on video sharing site YouTube.
"I just want to raise as much money as possible," said Joe. "There's so much injustice and poverty in the world, if I could make a difference then that would be great. I'd like to make a contribution."
Saddened by the increasing trouble in Syria, Joe said he wanted to do something proactive to help and said a big motivating factor when making the track was keeping the story in the public eye.
"I met a man from Syria while working abroad and he told me about the conflict and suffering and that really had an effect on me."
"That's partly why I wanted to do the song – the news changes all the time and unless you're consciously following the story, it's easy to forget."
And Joe said he believes even the smallest of gestures can make a change for good.
"I'm trying to spread awareness as much as possible to raise a significant amount for a cause that I believe is important – it would be great to use this song as a platform to make a bit of a change.
"It's a big situation over there and all people have to do to make a small difference is download a song."
The song is available for 60p from the Rehmidi Bandcamp page at http://rehmidi.bandcamp. com.
All of the proceeds from sales will be donated to Save the Children.
