War Child unites music legends and rising stars in the charity single "Flags," featuring Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten, Kae Tempest, and more.
- February 13, 2026
AceShowbiz - A truly unprecedented gathering of musical talent has united for War Child's latest charity single, Flags. The track, a collaborative effort featuring Blur and Gorillaz icon Damon Albarn, Fontaines D.C. frontman Grian Chatten, and acclaimed British poet and artist Kae Tempest, boasts an extraordinary supergroup choir. This star-studded ensemble includes such luminaries as Pulp's Jarvis Cocker, The Libertines' Carl Barât, and former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, alongside rising stars like English Teacher and Marika Hackman, all lending their voices for a vital cause.
Released yesterday, February 12, 2026, Flags serves as the second preview from War Child's eagerly anticipated charity compilation album, Help(2). This ambitious project aims to raise crucial funds and global awareness for young people whose lives have been profoundly impacted by war and conflict worldwide. The album's lead single, Arctic Monkeys' 'Opening Night' – their first new music since 2022 – set a high bar, and Flags continues this momentum with its powerful message and an astonishing roster of contributors, underscoring the music community's collective commitment to humanitarian aid.
The creation of Flags was a collaborative tour-de-force, with Damon Albarn himself co-producing alongside James Ford, Marta Salogni, and Toby L. Beyond the vocal talents, the instrumentation on the track is equally impressive, featuring the distinctive guitar work of Johnny Marr, alongside Dave Okumu, Adrian Utley of Portishead, Gorillaz' bassist Seye Adelekan, and Ezra Collective's Femi Koleoso. Adding another layer of depth and innocence, the song also incorporates a moving 43-piece children’s choir, their young voices intertwining with those of the music legends to amplify the song's poignant message.
The adult supergroup choir that features prominently on Flags is a who's who of British music. Spearheaded by Britpop icon Jarvis Cocker and The Libertines' influential guitarist Carl Barât, the choir also includes the legendary Johnny Marr, acclaimed singer-songwriter Declan McKenna, and members of acclaimed groups such as English Teacher and Black Country, New Road. Further enriching the vocal tapestry are talents like Nadia Kadek, the distinctive voice of Marika Hackman, and Rosa Walton from Let’s Eat Grandma, creating a truly unique and diverse sound.
Reflecting on the experience, Carl Barât shared behind-the-scenes photos from the studio, urging fans to engage with the album. He passionately stated, "Every stream, pre-order, and share helps turn compassion into action – raising vital funds and awareness for children living through the unthinkable." Damon Albarn echoed these sentiments, describing the recording sessions as a "genuinely joyful two days" and noting "a strong sense of purpose throughout the building," highlighting the profound impact of working on such a meaningful project.
Beyond the music, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jonathan Glazer directed the accompanying art for Help(2). In a powerful creative decision, Glazer handed cameras over to children, allowing audiences to see the world through their unvarnished eyes. This footage captures their perspectives from inside the recording studios, interwoven with harrowing yet vital clips from children on the ground in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Gaza, Yemen, and Sudan. A new clip showcasing the studio moments during the recording of Flags is now available, further immersing viewers in the album's profound narrative.