Arooj Aftab Joins Global Stars for ‘War Child’s Help (2)’ Charity Album

Grammy-winning Pakistani vocalist Arooj Aftab officially joined an elite roster of international musicians for the ‘War Child’s Help (2)’ charity album. Released on March 6, 2026, the project aims to raise vital funds and awareness for children living in conflict zones. This initiative followed the legacy of the original 1995 Help album, which famously brought together the biggest names in Britpop to support humanitarian efforts in Bosnia.

A Striking Collaboration with Beck

For her contribution to the 23-track album, Arooj Aftab partnered with eight-time Grammy recipient Beck to record a haunting rendition of the classic song “Lilac Wine.” The track, described by critics as a “witchy cocktail-jazz incantation,” was recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. Aftab shared on social media that she was proud to contribute to the project, noting that all proceeds from the track and the album would go directly to War Child UK to provide education, protection, and mental health support to vulnerable children.

A Lineup of Heavy Hitters

The album featured a “who’s who” of modern music, including the Arctic Monkeys, who contributed their first new song since 2022 titled “Opening Night.” Other notable participants included Olivia Rodrigo, who covered “The Book of Love,” as well as Depeche Mode, Pulp, and Fontaines D.C. Academy Award-winning director Jonathan Glazer served as the creative director for the project. In a unique move to center the voices of those being helped, cameras were given to children in war zones to film their own perspectives, which were then used in the album’s promotional materials and music videos.

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Art as a Tool for Humanitarian Aid

Arrow Aftab’s involvement underscored the growing role of Pakistani artists on the global stage, not just as performers but as key figures in international humanitarian movements. As the first Pakistani artist to win a Grammy, her participation brought significant attention to the cause within the region. The project serves as a reminder of the music community’s collective power to mobilize resources for those most affected by global crises.

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