The coronavirus pandemic has affected the world tremendously, resulting in deaths across the world, layoffs, school shutdowns and a plummeting stock market. Many people, including celebrities, are in self-quarantine with the mission of flattening the curve and reducing the outbreak.
During these challenging and uncertain times, many Latin artists, such as Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, and Carla Morrison, have provided aid to the less fortunate in their communities and around the world.
See how they’re helping amid the global health crisis below.
Pablo Alborán
Spanish singer-songwriter Pablo Alborán released “Cuando Estes Aquí” (When You Are Here), a heartwarming song that brings a message of hope during the current health crisis. According to Alborán, this song represents a virtual hug to all of his fans. All proceeds from “Cuando Estes Aqui” will go to UNICEF to fight COVID-19.
Ricky Martin
The Puerto Rican artist launched a new campaign, #HelpFromHome, to help health care workers save lives across the globe through the nonprofit organization Project Hope. “As you know, health care professionals are extremely vulnerable and professionals around the world don’t have personal protection equipment they need to prevent them from getting infected,” he said in an Instagram video. The equipment needed includes face masks, isolation gowns, protective coveralls and gloves, essential tools to keep everybody safe and healthy. Project Hope will also work with local communities to identify where they can support additional needs as they develop, as they continue to stay on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Carla Morrison
With “Volveremos A Tocar,” Carla Morrison teamed up with Mexican online thrift store GoTrendier to raise money for music workers like engineers, technicians, managers, photographers and touring staff to help them financially during the global pandemic. The initiative consists of shopping in Morrison’s closet to purchase some of the Mexican singer-songwriter’s outfits, and 100% of the purchase will go directly to workers who lost their income after all shows and tours were canceled due to COVID-19.
Through Billboard’s At-Home series, artists such as Manuel Turizo, Darkiel and Amara La Negra, to name a few, have not only performed live for Billboard’s Facebook followers, but also raised money for a charity of their choice.
Carlos Vives & Ruben Blades
All proceeds of Carlos Vives and Ruben Blades’ “No Estás Solo” collaboration will be donated to two different charities amid the coronavirus outbreak. Blades will be donating his earnings from this song to Panamá’s Fundación Anoland Díaz and Vives will donate his share of the song’s proceeds to the Tras La Perla initiative to help provide assistance to residents of the Pescaíto barrio in his hometown of Santa Marta, Colombia, during the pandemic. “We are not alone, we will win this battle against the virus. We have to support each other and work together — this will pass,” Blades said.
Marc Anthony
Salsa singer Marc Anthony announced that SOMOS Care in partnership with World Central Kitchen, chef Jose Andres and Maestro Cares is working to distribute more than 1,000 meals to patients, doctors, nurses and the community that has been hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak in Washington Heights, N.Y.
Athletes & Musicians in Puerto Rico
Nearly $3 million in medical supplies has been raised in Puerto Rico by a coalition of nonprofits that appealed to artists and athletes to donate to fight COVID-19. The initiative is led by the Correa Family Foundation, the nonprofit founded by the family of baseball player Carlos Correa, and JAK Entertainment, the coalition that has garnered support from artists like Bad Bunny (through his Fundación Good Bunny), Kany García, Yandel, Pedro Capó and Tommy Torres. Athletes like Carlos Correa, Martín “Machete” Maldonado, Eddie Rosario and Christian Vázquez also contributed. The efforts have resulted in the acquisition of 400,000 N95 masks, 6,000 gallons of hospital disinfectants and more equipment.
La Doña
La Doña is not only making masks for friends and families but also working with Mission Meals and CALMA. “I actually want to work with them when I get my vinyl album out and have a percentage of the proceeds go to them,” she tells Billboard. “Or thinking of making a livestream concert to raise money for them.”
