Brazilian singer and composer Gilberto Gil endorses the World March for Peace and Non-Violence. On October 27, after his recent concert in Brazil he declared his support for the World March before departing on a European tour.

Very well known in Brazil and abroad for his talent both as singer and composer, Gil’s work has been an instrument for social and political change. Like other Brazilian performers, Gil protested against the dictatorship; writing enlightening lyrics, some of which eluded censorship, such as his composition “Panis Et Circenses”, translated as “politics of bread and circus”.

Faithful to his history, when asked why he supported the World March, Gil asked permission to make a political statement: “Peace is a daily task of construction, laying the foundation brick by brick, maybe one day it will start growing…”

The World March for Peace and Nonviolence is the largest and most formidable international initiative in favor of peace. The march initiated by the NGO, World Without Wars, is actively demonstrating this with the longest peace march throughout the world (90 countries in 90 days in all regions), opening a new historical moment by journeying throughout the world. The World March began October 2, 2009 and will culminate on January 2, 2010. The message of this march, to raise consciousness for the possibility of peace and nonviolence and the urgent need for complete disarmament.

*(Translation provided by Janete Imanini)*