True to its message of inclusion, the True Colors Festival (TCF) 2022 was broadcast live around the world, allowing audience members to join in around the world.
With Katy Perry as special guest, the concert delivered over 2.5 hours of high-energy entertainment and emotion over two nights. Many in the audience were moved to tears as nearly 100 performers, many of whom live with disabilities, took to the stage with talent, showmanship and the message that we are all “One World, One Family”.
While showcasing the extraordinary talents of singers, dancers and musicians of varying abilities, the concert also gave the audience a glimpse into the daily lives of some artists, through short films interspersed with live performances. The idea was to capture the forces that unite us as humans: worldly life, determination, self-confidence, love, community, joy. These vignettes included inspirational messages from the artists.
Katy Perry said: “I’m so proud to be here, to perform at the True Colors Festival, a celebration of inclusion and artists first, and to see human beings defy the odds and be their best. To be able to be part of something so positive and uplifting and for such a great cause, I’m so proud to be on stage with you!
The finale saw the entire ensemble join Katy Perry to perform a high-energy version of Firework. The stage was lit up with color, movement and emotion and the lyrics seemed extremely appropriate as the performers all sang, “Come on, let your colors pop, you’re gonna leave ’em all amazed, amazed, amazed” it was certainly a message that resonated around the world. From the wild applause and cheers from the audience, it was clear that they were all impressed!
Proudly presented by The Nippon Foundation, the concert achieved its goal of celebrating diversity and inclusion in a way that allowed so many people in Japan and around the world to experience and be touched.
Nippon Foundation Executive Producer and Senior Executive Producer of the concert, Ichiro Kabasawa, said, “Everyone in the audience could see that these artists were chosen first and foremost for their talent, and I hope we all been inspired to overcome our own challenges and achieve our dreams as they did.
Dr Sydney Tan, Creative and Musical Director of the concert, said: “I wanted this concert to open minds and hearts, so it was not just about showcasing the enormous musical talents of the performers, but about sharing their unique stories.”
To learn more about the Nippon Foundation, click here.
