The much-anticipated return of Secret 7 in 2025 is set to make waves again. This remarkable initiative brings together music, design, and philanthropy. This year, new elements have been introduced, including a partnership with D&AD New Blood to spotlight emerging creatives and a unique contribution from British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, who will engrave unique designs onto all 700 records.
The artists and tracks defining Secret 7 2025
Secret 7 brings together seven iconic tracks from seven of the world’s top musicians, each pressed just 100 times onto a 7Â vinyl. Innovative minds across the globe have been invited to reinterpret these tracks, producing 700 one-of-a-kind sleeve designs.
All 700 sleeves are showcased at a free exhibition before being auctioned off to support War Child. Surprisingly, both artists and musicians remain anonymous until buyers have parted with their cash.
The much-loved charity initiative Secret 7 2025 edition promises an exciting mix of legendary musicians, visionary artists, and passionate collectors who will raise funds for children affected by conflict. Since its beginning in 2012, Secret 7 has become an extraordinary project in the creative space.Â
It invites designers and artists worldwide to create one-of-a-kind vinyl sleeves. The concept is simple and impactful: Seven iconic tracks are pressed onto 100 limited-edition 7 vinyl records, each housed in a unique sleeve created by a different artist.
The most intriguing part is that the artist’s identity and the track remain mysterious until the buyer receives the record. Over the years, Secret 7 has produced and sold 5,600 unique records, raising over £700,000 for charities.Â
This year, all the profits will go directly to War Child UK, which helps provide protection, education, and psychological support for children in conflict zones worldwide.
“We at War Child are so pleased to announce the start of another Secret 7, marking the continuation of a beautifully creative endeavor, “Said War Child UK fundraising engagement director Charlotte Nimmo.
She acknowledged that yearly, the best artists worldwide unite to create 700 unique records to raise funds for the protection, education and support of children whose lives have been impacted by wars they didn’t initiate. She stressed that this year has been horrible for the children in the conflict, but the money raised would still help in the emergency provision of aid and extended support where needed.
A grand exhibition at NOW Gallery
The seven tracks picked for Secret 7 2025 comprise The Cure’s Warsong: Troxy Live 2024, Frank Turner’s Be More Kind, Gregory Porter’s Merchants of Paradise, Jessie Ware’s Beautiful People, Keane’s Black Rain, Scissor Sisters’ Return to Oz, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Devotion (a recent song, exclusive to War Child’s Secret 7″).
Known and upcoming artists have been invited to submit their record covers. Public submissions are open until 28 February 2025 and contributors can submit their designs online or request a physical design pack via the Secret 7 website.
In addition to the open submission, Secret 7 is historically known for attracting contributions from some of the world’s most celebrated artists and designers. Past participants have included Ai Weiwei, Yoko Ono, Sir Peter Blake, David Shrigley, Tacita Dean, Morag Myerscough, and Sir Paul Smith, among many others.
This year, British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori will elevate the initiative further by engraving unique designs onto all 700 records, transforming them into collectable works of art. Other artists will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The NOW Gallery at Greenwich Peninsula will host a free exhibition showcasing all 700 vinyl records from 11 April to 1 June 2025. The exhibition will allow the public to admire the phenomenal creativity behind each sleeve.Â
Following the exhibition, the records will be auctioned off via Givergy, with profits going towards War Child UK, which supports children affected by war across 14 conflict zones worldwide.
“The benefits of art and music often transcend the tangible, impacting in ways beyond what meets the eye. Secret 7 celebrates creativity and raises critical funds for a vitally important cause, which we proudly support for the third year running, “said the NOW Gallery and Greenwich Peninsula senior cultural projects manager Kaia Charles reaffirming the importance of art and music in driving meaningful change.
Making its debut, Secret 7 is also teaming up with D&AD New Blood, a program committed to promoting upcoming creative talents. The partnership invites students, recent graduates, and early-career designers to submit their record covers, allowing them to gain industry recognition and compete for the prestigious D&AD New Blood Pencil.
D&AD partnerships director Sammi Vaughan declared that the fantastic work of Secret 7 had inspired them. They are excited to invite New Blood participants from across the globe to participate in its much-anticipated return and that it’s a rare privilege for students, recent graduates, and upcoming talents to showcase their creativity and have their work showcased in support of War Child’s vital mission, thereby providing a platform and an opportunity for designers, artists, and music lovers to be part of a global creative movement.
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As Secret 7 returns to bring people together through music and art, its mission parallels the spirit of initiatives like Music in Fermanagh, which has been fostering community and creativity in Northern Ireland for over a decade.