Community Playlist Supports Nate Matias’s Charity Ride ^{CEFR B2}

Members of the Global Voices community compiled and published a playlist to support Nate Matias during a charity cycling challenge. Nate rode the equivalent of 10,000 meters in elevation over three days, and the community collected music from many regions both to motivate him and to acknowledge the Nepalese roots of the ride.

Several contributors wrote notes explaining their choices. Elisa Marvena recommended "Jerusalem" by Fairouz and Ziad Rahbani, describing Fairouz as having wide cultural influence across Southwest Asia and North Africa and calling the piece both an anthem and a love song to Al Quds. Marvena also pointed to the role of different composers and noted that Ziad Rahbani, a Lebanese producer, composer, pianist, playwright and political commentator, passed away last month.

Lara AlMalakeh suggested "Zamilou" by Bu Kolthoum, a Syrian rapper who arrived as a refugee and is building an audience in the Netherlands; Lara emphasized the song's empowering message for women and the artist's struggle for recognition. Estefanía Salazar shared the 2005 album "Ibérica y Latina" by Gaélica and highlighted an instrumental track rooted in a fusion of Madeiran, Galician and American sounds, with prominent pipes and a lively, wake-up feeling, recommending listening from 3:10 onwards.

Candice Stewart curated Caribbean-inspired tracks from Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago intended to give blessing, patience, grit and celebration. Examples included Buju Banton with Morgan Heritage and songs by Agent Sasco, Machel Montano with Destra Garcia, and Nailah Blackman with Skinny Fabulous. Pamela Ephraim chose a high-energy track to boost confidence, citing a repeated line and Yoruba and Pidgin expressions such as kampe (meaning “strong/cemented”) to underline resilience. Community members in Nepal also assembled songs in Nepali to honour the challenge's roots.