Entertainment icon and philanthropist Pat Boone is set to release his latest musical anthem, "ONE—Voices for Tanzania. " This powerful song was written to unite the world in a shared mission of hope and humanitarian aid. Proceeds from the project will help fund clean water initiatives and provide food resources, health services, and education for the people of Tanzania.
Music all-stars Vince Gill, Alabama, Lee Greenwood, Larry Gatlin, Pam Tillis, Deborah Allen, Billy Dean, Wendy Moten, and others have joined Pat Boone's philanthropic effort to bring clean water and basic necessities to Tanzania.
Boone told me, "This is the most important thing I have ever done. The life expectancy of a child born in the wild in Tanzania is five years. But the water is poisoned everywhere."
The project was conceived ten years ago when he worked with GOD TV. They decided to build freshwater wells in these nations. While the governments approved the assistance, they should have done it themselves.
When Pat's wife Shirley was still alive, they had a 500-foot freshwater well with a windmill installed. The Tanzanian government said, "Look, we are not Christian, but we know you are. But if you put in a well, we will give you the 200 acres around it, but don't call it a church."
That is how the "Boone Life Center" was conceived. Previously, the Tanzanian people weren't exposed to vegetables, and now they are being taught farming techniques to provide a healthier diet.
Boone exclaimed, "We now have the Israeli irrigation system creating not just a garden, but a whole Shirley Boone vegetable farm in that part of Tanzania out of raw, dry land. Once you bring water to it, it can flourish."
Following in the footsteps of "We Are the World," which remains a global force for change 40 years later and has raised over $100 million, Boone hopes "ONE" will inspire a similar movement.
Boone is joined on the "ONE" recording by an all-star lineup, including Alabama, Deborah Allen, Billy Dean, Larry Gatlin, Vince Gill, Aaron Goodvin, Lee Greenwood, Jet Jurgensmeyer, MARK209, Wendy Moten, Pam Tillis, and Due West. Included are Nashville's Legacy Mission Village Singers—all refugees from Tanzania and Congo—and Tanzania-based Gospel artist Sebastian Silas & God Is Love, who recorded the song in their native Swahili language as "WAMOJA." Nashville-based producer-arranger/musical director Jimmy Nichols and hit songwriter Frank Myers produced the "ONE" recording at Nashville studios Starstruck Entertainment and Blackbird Studio.
Boone informed, "There is a choir here in Nashville, and they sing gospel songs in Swahili. When you hear them singing on the record, it's really spine-tingling because they are singing the words I wrote, but in their language, Swahili. We were already in the process of recording the song when we found out about them."
Boone has worked closely with WorldServe International to provide water for Africa. Their president, John Bongiorno, stated, "Every year, over 100,000 lives are transformed through our large-scale, sustainable, solar-powered water projects. It's remarkable what happens when dedicated business leaders, professional athletes, and government and ministry leaders come together to make this happen. The impact of Pat and Shirley Boone's vision on the everyday lives of the Maasai people is a testimony to their Christian faith and willingness to engage Pat's global audience for the good of others."
The following artists comment on Boone's "ONE Voices for Tanzania" project.
Deborah Allen: "I was thrilled to be invited to sing on Pat Boone's new project to help provide clean water and a healthier life to the wonderful people of Tanzania! Aside from being an icon, Pat Boone is one of the most inspiring and uplifting people I know. The depth of his heart knows no boundaries when it comes to making the world a better place. It is truly an honor to call him my friend!"
Wendy Moton: "Everyone should have clean water to drink, and if my contribution to Pat Boone's dream of helping others achieve this, count me in."
Jet Jurgensmeyer: "Working with such legendary people for this important cause is a blessing. I'm so thankful to help spread the word through "ONE" about what Pat has been able to do over the years in Tanzania. It's inspiring, and I'm grateful I get to be a small part of it. I hope this song and its message helps people understand what they're donating to when they give to this organization. I truly believe we can help change people's lives with this song and everyone that is a part of it."
Alabama: "We're honored to lend our voices to Pat Boone's new single 'ONE - Voices for Tanzania.' You can support the cause by donating, as your contribution will directly support the provision of clean water in Tanzania."
At 90 years young, Pat Boone is an inspiration to me and others as he shows no signs of slowing down. He still feels he has work to accomplish. He explained, "When I wrote this song, it didn't have anything to do with water. But then the folks heard it, and now that people are helping to fund things. I realized this was a song that could inspire others and hopefully raise money to create more freshwater wells."
Click HERE to donate and learn more about this life-changing endeavor.
– – –
Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
