Peace Stories

One evening at the Peace Museum Vienna a very special visitor stepped in. His interest in peace was so honest and motivated, like every word would be a slogan of inspiration. It's a very unique experience to meet someone who really believes in peace and has a very clear understanding of how to share peace with others. For this half hour of peace talk, suddenly the world becomes full of peace in our reality. The Peace Museum for that moment was the most peaceful and safe place in the world. Every idea, every project is possible here. Dave shared his personal story about Nelson Mandela and how he grew up in South Africa, it was like a story from the movie that always inspires us to learn more about activists, change makers and peace builders. This world needs peace, and we need to make peace for others. In conclusion we agreed that maybe we don’t have so much time to dedicate for peace, but we definitely have to make it a regular practice. From now, every day we will spend 5 minutes per day thinking about peace. Just 5 minutes, doesn’t matter where and how. Spend every day 5 minutes to think about Peace. 

In the symphony of life, there are musicians whose melodies transcend boundaries, resonating deeply with the human experience. Among them stands Dave Matthews, a maestro whose strings of talent have woven an intricate tapestry of music, bound by the threads of his South African roots and the harmonies of his soul.

Born in Johannesburg in 1967, Matthews' journey to musical prominence began with the rhythms of his homeland. South Africa, a land pulsating with diversity and resilience, infused Matthews with a rich tapestry of sounds and stories. Yet, amidst the vibrant hues of his homeland, the specter of apartheid loomed large, casting shadows of injustice and inequality. It was within this crucible of adversity that Matthews' passion for music took root, offering solace and sanctuary in a world fraught with turmoil.

Matthews' odyssey from South Africa to the United States marked the crescendo of his musical pilgrimage. Settling in Charlottesville, Virginia, he found kindred spirits with whom to compose the melodies of his destiny. Together with Carter Beauford, Stefan Lessard, LeRoi Moore, and Boyd Tinsley, Matthews formed the eponymous Dave Matthews Band (DMB), a collective whose synergy would captivate hearts and minds across the globe. Yet, even as Matthews' star ascended on the stages of the world, his heart remained tethered to the soil of his birthplace. His music became a vessel for storytelling, a bridge spanning continents and cultures. Through his lyrics, Matthews wove tapestries of longing and belonging, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and solidarity.

One of the most poignant chapters in Matthews' narrative is his connection to the iconic figure of Nelson Mandela. Mandela, the beacon of hope in South Africa's struggle for freedom, cast a long shadow over Matthews' formative years. Their paths intersected in 1998 when Matthews performed at the "Gift to the Nation" concert in honor of Mandela's 80th birthday. It was a moment of convergence, where the echoes of Mandela's resilience reverberated through Matthews' melodies, forging a bond that transcended generations and continents. Matthews' commitment to social justice found resonance in his music, amplifying the voices of the marginalized and disenfranchised. Nelson Mandela's legacy as a unifying force and a beacon of hope extends beyond his role as a political leader; it encompasses acts of compassion that transcended racial divides. Among these remarkable deeds was Mandela's intervention to save white children during a period of heightened tension in South Africa. Despite the injustices he endured under apartheid, Mandela's commitment to reconciliation and humanity remained unwavering. In a poignant display of empathy, he acted decisively to protect the lives of innocent children, regardless of their race, embodying the spirit of forgiveness and compassion that defined his remarkable life.

Through his charitable endeavors, including the Bama Works Fund, Matthews became an advocate for change, using his platform to uplift communities and amplify their stories. At the heart of Matthews' musical legacy lies an ethos of inclusivity and empathy. His songs serve as anthems for the human spirit, celebrating the beauty of diversity and the resilience of the human soul. From the anthemic refrains of "Crash Into Me" to the haunting balladry of "Gravedigger," Matthews' repertoire spans the spectrum of human emotion, inviting listeners to embrace the fullness of their humanity.

As Matthews continues to chart new musical horizons, his journey remains a testament to the transformative power of music. Across continents and cultures, his melodies continue to resonate, weaving a tapestry of hope and harmony in a world too often divided by discord. In the cadence of his chords and the poetry of his lyrics, Dave Matthews beckons us to listen, to reflect, and to rediscover the beauty that binds us all. For in the symphony of life, his voice remains a clarion call for unity and understanding, a timeless reminder that in music, as in life, there is always room for harmony.