Lebanese-British musician Mika held a huge widely-anticipated fundraising concert on September 19th to support Beirut in the wake of the massive blast that brought the city to its knees.
Viewers from over 120 different countries donated 10 euros ($11.7) to receive the tickets for the ‘I Love Beirut” concert.
The concert had many prestigious guests, as well as performances, such as by Lebanese band, Mashrou’ Leila.
After the deduction of costs, the concert will have raised over 1 million euros (more than $1.7 M) to help the people of Beirut, the city where Mika was born and that he loves so much.
Funds will be donated directly to two trustworthy NGOs, the Lebanese Red Cross and Save The Children UK.
In an interview with Paris Match, Mika said he hopes the donation can be used to buy ambulances, help the homeless, support children outside of school, and most importantly financially assist 10,000 families in need.
Having grown up with the strong Lebanese culture at home, he said the concert was dedicated to his mother, grandmother, and aunts, for keeping the Lebanese atmosphere in their homes even while living abroad.
Even though he left Lebanon shortly after birth, Mika held on to those Lebanese roots and says it is a strong part of his identity.
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