Miami-based trailblazing organization Young Musicians Unite collaborates with renowned global nonprofit Playing For Change Foundation to release an inspiring cover of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World“. This collaboration brings together over 100 musicians, educators, and students from all over the world, showcasing the transformative power of music to transcend borders and bridge cultures. Honoring the iconic 80’s song by Tears for Fears, the musicians play for change and strive to inspire other music communities to get involved and spread a message of positivity and unity.
Miami-based trailblazing organization Young Musicians Unite collaborates with renowned global nonprofit Playing For Change Foundation to release an inspiring cover of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”. This collaboration brings together over 100 musicians, educators, and students from all over the world, showcasing the transformative power of music to transcend borders and bridge cultures. Honoring the iconic 80’s song by Tears for Fears, the musicians play for change and strive to inspire other music communities to get involved and spread a message of positivity and unity.
“This project has been a powerful reminder of why we do what we do,” said Zach Larmer, COO of YMU, who co-arranged and played bass on the track. “Our mission is not only to empower young musicians but also to bridge cultural divides through the universal language of music. Partnering with the Playing For Change Foundation on this reimagined classic is just the beginning of an impactful new initiative—one that strives to unite musicians around the world to make sure that future generations experience the power of music as a force for change.”
Mark Johnson, co-founder of Playing For Change, added, “The magic of this project with Young Musicians Unite lies not just in the music, but in the unity it represents. We brought together students who had never met, separated by thousands of miles, yet they created something cohesive and beautiful. It’s proof of the extraordinary power music has to connect us all.”
The “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” project began with YMU’s Miami-based team—led by Zach Larmer, Jason Matthews, and Lucas Apostoleris (co-arrangers) and YMU alumnus Cristian Acevedo who crafted the drum and percussion arrangements. The track traveled across continents, arriving in Ghana, Rwanda, Panama, and Morocco, where local musicians added their unique sounds and styles. Each group was encouraged to add their personal creative flair, resulting in a sound that’s both unified and undeniably global. The recording features some great talent including legendary percussionist Sammy Figueroa (Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, David Bowie, Madonna, Chic).
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Young Musicians Unite & Playing For Change Foundation is now streaming on all major platforms, and the official music video is available on Playing For Change’s YouTube channel
Student Musicians Provided by:
Young Musicians Unite – Miami, USA
Playing For Change Foundation – USA
Ubuntu Music Program – Kigali, Rwanda
Bizung School of Music and Dance – Tamale, Ghana
Escuelita del Ritmo – Portobelo, Panama
Joudour Sahara – M’hamid El Ghizlane, Morocco
Vocal Youth Miami – Miami, USA
Join Us in Celebrating This Global Collaboration:
Watch the official video here. Stream the song on your favorite platform here
Miami based Young Musicians Unite is a non-profit organization that is determined to provide music education to students regardless of their socio-economic background. YMU provides turnkey music education solutions for Title 1 schools across Miami-Dade County. YMU equips schools with trained instructors, lesson plans, instruments and all the necessary resources for vibrant music classes. Young Musicians Unite believes that every student in Miami-Dade deserves access to music education regardless of their socio-economic background. They collaborate with schools to provide free music education, which has been proven to inspire personal development, foster a sense of community.
About Playing For Change Foundation:
Playing For Change Foundation is a global nonprofit organization offering creative opportunities for marginalized youth. Playing For Change Foundation believes music and culture serve as the most powerful resource to bring communities together and solve the world’s greatest challenges.
Founded in 2007, PFCF was established to create positive change through music and arts education. Our work engages marginalized youth in diverse communities around the world, primarily located in low and lower-middle income countries. These communities are home to great cultural wealth, which we use to create educational and social opportunities.
