To mark U2’s first ever visit to India, Island Records has released a new track titled Ahimsa from U2 and legendary composer A.R. Rahman.
The collaboration, which sees U2 and A.R. Rahman come together with JioSaavn, is available to stream now on JioSaavn and all streaming platforms.
The collaboration comes less than one month ahead of U2’s first ever show in India with the arrival of The Joshua Tree Tour in Mumbai on December 15, 2019.
This year will also see the release of four highlights from U2’s extensive catalog, remixed by local Indian artists and available via JioSaavn and all streaming platforms.
Ahimsa is the Sanskrit word for non-violence.
“It is incredible timing to collaborate with U2, with their amazing legacy, to revive this movement.”
A.R. Rahman
A.R. Rahman said: “Ahimsa requires courage and strength. A quality that is impervious to weapons or power.
“It’s a mission which is most needed to heal the modern world and it is incredible timing to collaborate with U2, with their amazing legacy, to revive this movement.”
“It has been an absolute joy to work with A.R. on this track. A superstar and a talent both towering and generous, we are especially excited to visit his homeland in just a few weeks.”
The Edge
U2 guitarist The Edge, added: “It has been an absolute joy to work with A.R. on this track. A superstar and a talent both towering and generous, we are especially excited to visit his homeland in just a few weeks.
“India has been on our bucket list for a very long time, the principles of ahimsa or non-violence have served as an important pillar of what our band stands for since we first came together to play music.
“We can’t wait to experience the culture of India first hand, a place that brings together the modern and the ancient all at once.”
“The fight against injustice has always been so important to us.”
Bono
Bono said: “The fight against injustice has always been so important to us. We were somewhat shaped and formed by Martin Luther King who was a student of Mahatma Gandhi.
“Martin Luther King said, ‘The moral arc of the universe is long but it bends towards justice….’. I don’t believe that anymore. It doesn’t bend towards justice, it has to be bent towards justice.
“We have to be actively involved in our democracy to preserve it and show people how we feel and what we care about… We come as students to the source of inspiration… That is ahimsa… non-violence… India gave this to us… the greatest gift to the world… It is more powerful than nuclear energy, the armies, the navies, the British Empire. It is power itself. And it’s never been more important.”
Working with U2, A.R. Rahman and their teams is the experience of a lifetime. To make great music, move people, and leave a legacy of hope is a living dream for all of us at JioSaavn.”
Rishi Malhotra, JioSaavn
Rishi Malhotra, Co-founder & CEO, of JioSaavn said: “We hold a firm belief that music is culture — it’s art and action coming together to shape mindsets, positive change, and ultimately generations.
“Great music always carries a real message. It’s our honor to bring ‘Ahimsa’ to the world, from India, with love. Working with U2, A.R. Rahman and their teams is the experience of a lifetime. To make great music, move people, and leave a legacy of hope is a living dream for all of us at JioSaavn.”
“I’ve been a believer in JioSaavn since first meeting Rishi nearly 5 years ago. I’ve always loved their unique vision for artists who want to reach their next hundred million listeners.”
Guy Oseary
U2 manager Guy Oseary said: “Collaborating with the JioSaavn team on the very special U2 and A.R. Rahman track ‘Ahimsa’ ahead of the band’s coming to India for the first show in Mumbai, has been an exceptional experience.
“I’ve been a believer in JioSaavn since first meeting Rishi nearly 5 years ago. I’ve always loved their unique vision for artists who want to reach their next hundred million listeners.”
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