Mehrere junge Menschen stehen, sitzen und spielen verschiedene Musikinstrumente, darunter Gitarre, Saxophon und Ukulele, in einer Gruppe im Freien.
Mehrere junge Menschen stehen, sitzen und spielen verschiedene Musikinstrumente, darunter Gitarre, Saxophon und Ukulele, in einer Gruppe im Freien.
Bild von Katherine Massiel Beco

“Make Music. Not War” – Young people unite through music to build peace and understanding across borders with #internationalheart

Young musicians from conflict-affected regions come together in Bremen, Germany to form bands, write original peace songs and share their cultures with each other. “Make Music. Not War” with #internationalheart shows how music can cross borders, build friendships and carry messages of hope and peace.

Since 2015, Make Music. Not War has shown that music is a universal language of peace. As a youth exchange, the project brings together young musicians and artists from different backgrounds and regions shaped by conflict. In Bremen, they unite to create music that tells stories of reconciliation, friendship and hope. 

Rather than separating into national groups, participants form four new bands: Pop, Rock, Jazz and World music. Together, they compose original songs about peace while reinterpreting cultural songs from each country in new styles. Daily workshops explore themes of conflict, history and reconciliation, encouraging participants to reflect on their own experiences and turn them into powerful lyrics and melodies. 

Our youth center KulturHaus near Bremen is the creative home of the project, filled with rehearsals, jam sessions and late-night songwriting. However, the music doesn’t stay within its walls. The bands take their songs to the streets, sharing peace music with locals and engaging Bremen’s community. Annual peace concerts in local venues and bars bring together international and local audiences, turning the city into a stage for intercultural dialogue and celebration. For many participants, the project is a life-changing experience: they arrive as strangers, but leave as friends, carrying not only songs but also lasting bonds and new perspectives on peace.

With over four editions, Make Music. Not War has produced twelve original songs, nine music videos and countless live performances. Each event shows that when young people collaborate, they can turn diversity into harmony and use creativity to challenge divisions.

At a time when wars and divisions continue to affect societies worldwide, the project offers an example of how projects like this can inspire solidarity, foster understanding and strengthen communities. Through Make Music. Not War, young people are not just playing music - they are building bridges of peace that resonate far beyond Bremen. 

You can listen to all the songs on Spotify and other streaming platforms, watch the official music videos on YouTube, and join us on Instagram and TikTok for behind-the-scenes stories and creative moments that show how music can build peace.