'Don't assume it's going to get done — it's only going to get done if we help,' she says.
By Eric Ditzian
Rihanna performs on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Wednesday
Photo: Harpo Productions
Following Wyclef Jean's appearance Wednesday (January 20) on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to share his post-earthquake experiences in the embattled island nation of Haiti and to defend his charity against corruption accusations, Rihanna took the floor to sing a tune she recorded as a fundraising tool.
Accompanied at first by the simple sounds of an acoustic guitar and an organ, the R&B singer performed a version of the Bob Marley classic, "Redemption Song." The song is available for sale on iTunes, RihannaNow.com and Oprah.com, with all proceeds going toward Haitian relief efforts.
"This song for me, growing up, anytime there was a difficult situation, I always listened to this song because it was so liberating," said Rihanna. "Even now I listen to it when my back is up against the wall. I feel like the people of Haiti need to hear something inspiring."
Rihanna is also taking part in the "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon set to air across multiple networks and cable channels on Friday (January 22). She will perform in London alongside Jay-Z and U2's Bono and The Edge. Helmed by Jean, George Clooney and CNN's Anderson Cooper, the benefit will also feature musical guests like Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys and Bruce Springsteen.
"Everybody needs to tune in," Rihanna before Wednesday's performance. "We need your help. Don't depend on it to get done. Don't assume it's going to get done — it's only going to get done if we help."
As she sang, photos from the devastation appeared on a backdrop behind her. Oprah and Wyclef watched from the sidelines, nodding their heads to the beat.
"Often in a tragedy like this, it's the orphans who suffer most," Rihanna said afterward. "In Haiti, they've already had almost 400,000 orphans prior to this. There are so many kids out there without parents, who can't find their parents. There are a lot of kids dead, a lot of kids hungry. They have no way to get food. They're helpless. That's why we have to take care of them. The children are the future."
Learn more about what you can do to help with earthquake-relief efforts in Haiti, and for more information, see Think MTV. Join George Clooney and Wyclef Jean for MTV's "Hope for Haiti" telethon, airing commercial-free Friday, January 22, at 8 p.m. ET.
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