In this uncertain time, musicians are joining together to offer community and hope to their fans. In the ‘Together At Home’ series, artists have been taking turns to perform short sets via social media live-streams in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Global Citizen.
Sets tend to be 30 minutes long, with original songs, covers, and chats with viewers. Previously, Coldplay kicked the sessions off with Chris Martin’s solo show. Other artists who have participated include John Legend, Niall Horan, Charlie Puth, and Picture This planned to perform tonight at 9pm on Instagram Live.
The latest to perform are Camila Cabello and boyfriend Shawn Mendes, duetting Ed Sheeran’s song ‘Kiss Me’ on Friday afternoon (20th March). The pair sat outside while Mendes played the guitar and they giggled through the song. MTV were watching, commenting that the laughing made it better. Cabello also reminded viewers that she and Mendes had already covered the song in 2017.
Mendes said during the live-stream that “this is a time were I think everyone should be extremely, extremely forgiving and kind to themselves” while Cabello urged fans to distance themselves to prevent the spread of Covid-19. When viewers were asked what they were up to, one fan joked “washing my hands”, prompting a conversation about hand washing.
Songs which they chose to sing included ‘Misplaced in Japan’ by Mendes, ‘Havana’ by Camila Cabello, and their 2019 collaboration ‘Señorita’. Cabello also gave fans a slight spoiler, telling them that Mendes had shown her some of his new songs and they are “pretty magical”. He had previously broken news of a new album on his Instagram story in February.
Hey, I know times are scary right now but I just wanted to check in with you all Please stay safe & make sure to look out for each other & yourselves. We’ve shared some info on @shawnfoundation socials if you need any resources x pic.twitter.com/mN7b2bD10q
— Shawn Mendes (@ShawnMendes) March 20, 2020
Prior to the concert, Mendes posted to his Instagram with the caption “I know times are scary right now but I just wanted to check in with you all.” The singer has always been an advocate for important causes, founding the Shawn Mendes Foundation which supports children’s education and mental health. He has also worked with Global Citizen before, playing at their 2018 festival in New York. Cabello has shown her support for various charities for low-income families and children, as well as donating all proceeds of her song ‘Havana’ to the American Civil Liberties Union for Dreamers (ACLU).
