Photo credit: Vianney Le Caer
On Thursday 6th March, in the lead up to International Women’s Day, the inaugural SISTERS: Annie Lennox and Friends concert, a night of music, storytelling, and solidarity took place at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The concert was held for the very first time to fundraise and raise awareness for The Circle, the global feminist organisation founded 17 years ago by Annie Lennox and other leading women supporting vulnerable women and girls. With the reversal and erosion of rights for women and girls across the globe and less than 1% of global development funding going to women’s rights organisations, it’s a critical time to support gender equality around the world.
Hosted by acclaimed broadcaster Clara Amfo, Annie was joined on the night by a line-up of artists, musicians and poets including Beverley Knight, Celeste, Hozier, Lola Lennox, Nadine Shah, Paloma Faith, Rakaya Fetuga, Ríoghnach Connolly, and photographer and activist Misan Harriman, who was a special guest speaker.
The evening began with a stunning performance from BBC Folk Singer of the Year Ríoghnach Connolly, a three-song medley of ‘Land Of My Other’, ‘Carry Your Kin’ and ‘Too May Have Gone’, showcasing her beautifully haunting voice.
A poetry reading from Rakaya Fetuga, whose storytelling weaves themes of faith, identity, and womanhood, preceded the next musical performance from BRIT-award winning and Academy Award-nominated Celeste, who began by performing two unreleased tracks, ‘Women of Faces’ and ‘Time Will Tell’ and left the audience captivated with her haunting single ‘Strange’.
A raw and powerful two-song set (‘Topless Mother’ and Nirvana cover ‘All Apologies’) from the Mercury Prize shortlisted Nadine Shah followed, before moving into an unannounced appearance from the multi-award winning actress and musician Beverley Knight, who filled the venue with soulful energy, performing hit tracks ‘Shoulda Woulda Coulda’, ‘Sisters Sisters’ and ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Alright’ .
A moving address from photographer, activist and male feminist Misan Harriman highlighted the shocking statistic that 1 in 3 women globally are affected by violence in their lifetime. It was a powerful moment of solidarity that brought the whole audience together as he talked about the work of The Circle to support change and build a better future for women and girls.
“It was truly amazing to bring women and allies together, to find inspiration and community in each other, as well as raising much needed funds to support our outstanding female led organisations around the world.”
A one-hour headline performance from Annie Lennox herself followed, performing a number of her classic hits ‘Broken Glass’, ‘Little Bird’, ‘Sweet Dreams’ and many more to an enthusiastic audience that were on their feet more often than not. Annie welcomed some additional special guests as part of her set; a duet with critically-acclaimed Irish musician Hozier for ‘Take Me To Church’ and ‘I Put A Spell On You’; Annie’s daughter Lola Lennox was invited on stage to perform ‘There Must Be An Angel’; and leading into a passionate encore, Annie returned to the stage alongside British singer-songwriter Paloma Faith and all the evening’s musical guests to perform the iconic ‘Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves’ before ending with Eurythmics hit ‘Sweet Dreams’ to close the evening.
Annie Lennox says on the concert, “It was a deeply moving experience to perform alongside so many phenomenal artists and speakers last night at The Royal Albert Hall, for the inaugural SISTERS event in support of The Circle. Profound gratitude to everyone who was able to join us. It was truly amazing to bring women and allies together, to find inspiration and community in each other, as well as raising much needed funds to support our outstanding female led organisations around the world."
Lola Lennox added, “I’m immensely touched and grateful that my Mum invited me to sing for ‘SISTERS’ at The Royal Albert Hall. I have watched these songs performed live maybe hundreds of times ever since I can remember— so for me to move from the audience to the stage, gives me the opportunity to sing the songs that have permeated through every chapter of my life.
I’m immensely proud of my Mum and the music that she has created, but I’m particularly moved by how she has used her success for good, and has fought for the rights of women and children around the world. I still remember when The Circle was in its infancy, with women gathered in our kitchen to discuss how they could help provide support. They hoped to spread the notion of ‘Global Feminism’ and improve basic human rights for women and children, particularly those in developing countries.
So now, to see so many people gathering in support of The Circle at The Royal Albert Hall— it’s incredibly encouraging and inspiring for me personally. I’m honoured to stand beside my Mum, and sing her beautiful music in support of The Circle. This will be a memory that I will cherish forever.”
The evening was punctuated with calls to action for donations and support for The Circle, with the organisation’s CEO Raakhi Shah joined by Grace Dorong, Founder of organisation Root of Generations in South Sudan, who both spoke about the positive impact of investing in and partnering with grassroots, women led organisations around the world.
Raakhi Shah, CEO of The Circle commented: “In the run up to International Women’s Day and during Women’s History Month it was incredible to witness such an outpouring of solidarity and support for women and girls facing violence and injustice around the world last night at SISTERS: Annie Lennox & Friends.”
“Strengthening the power of women’s rights organisations through long-term financial support is essential to push forward gender equality and to build a safer, fairer future for all. Thank you to everyone donating vital funds to The Circle to continue our critical work.”