When Michael Jackson made the decision to host two concerts just before the turn of the millennium and donate the proceeds to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, The Red Cross, and UNESCO, he reached out to his friends to rally together under the Adventure of Humanity project.
Among the friends who wholeheartedly answered his call were iconic artists such as Slash, The Scorpions, Ringo Starr, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, A. R. Rahman, Prabhu Deva Sundaram, Shobana, Andrea Bocelli, and Luciano Pavarotti.
Michael Jackson and Slash performing in München 27th of June 1999 Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0
Friends of MJ is dedicated to generating vital support for global humanitarian causes through the power of music and sports. By hosting exclusive galas, world-class concerts, and high-profile sporting events, we raise essential funds for organizations such as Adventure of Humanity and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
Our mission serves as a bridge, uniting iconic artists and athletes with non-profit initiatives to empower communities and promote peace worldwide.
A humanitarian connection that began in 1999 and continues today.
Adventure of Humanity’s relationship with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund reaches back to the very beginning of the project.
On 23 March 1999, Michael Jackson joined Nelson Mandela in Cape Town to announce Michael Jackson & Friends – The Adventure of Humanity, a humanitarian initiative created to raise support for people in need around the world. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, together with UNESCO and the Red Cross, was named among the beneficiaries of the project.
The initiative continued with two landmark benefit concerts in Seoul and Munich in June 1999, bringing together internationally renowned artists in support of humanitarian causes and vulnerable children.
That connection has remained part of Adventure of Humanity’s work. In recent years, the organization has continued to support fundraising initiatives connected to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, including events during the Cannes Film Festival that have brought together philanthropists, artists, business leaders and international supporters around a shared commitment to children, dignity and opportunity.
What began as a shared humanitarian vision between Michael Jackson and Nelson Mandela remains a living part of Adventure of Humanity’s mission today — bringing people together to support the next generation.
Music for Peace is not a new idea, as an example John and Yoko made a campaign for Peace thirty years before Michaels Adventure of Humanity concerts.
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” marked the culmination of over two years of dedicated peace activism spearheaded by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. This remarkable journey commenced with their famous bed-ins held in March and May of 1969, with the initial one taking place during their honeymoon. The song itself emerged as a direct result of an international multimedia campaign initiated by the couple in December 1969. This campaign coincided with the peak of the counterculture movement and its widespread protests against America’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
The campaign primarily revolved around the rental of billboard space in 12 major cities worldwide. These billboards featured striking black-and-white posters proclaiming the message: “WAR IS OVER! If You Want It – Happy Christmas from John & Yoko.”
John Lennon (1940 – 1980), formerly of English rock band the Beatles, and his wife Yoko Ono pose on the steps of the Apple building in London with a poster reading ‘War is Over! If you want it. Happy Christmas from John and Yoko’, in protest against the Vietnam War, December 1969. (Photo by Frank Barrett/Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Hey, are you one of the guys or girls with good vibes, great attitude and personality? Adventure of Humanity will give you the ride of your lifetime. Let’s go beyond and Rock the world for humanity together with the coolest crew on earth.
Be a part of something bigger.
Adventure of Humanity is gearing up for its next significant expedition and has initiated the recruitment process for volunteers and crew members.
1999 was all about music – this time we aim for something more…
Adventure of Humanity has broadened its horizons, reaching out to an even larger audience and seeking an enhanced platform for spreading its vital message of Peace, Humanity, and Environmental stewardship. This endeavor encompasses various facets, including sports. Below are glimpses of upcoming adventures within the realms of Lacrosse and Football.
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