15 Vegan Musicians you need to add to your (compassionate) playlist!
In recent years, many famous musicians have chosen a plant-based diet for reasons ranging from health benefits to ethical and environmental causes. While they have different motivations for becoming vegan, they all agree that the lifestyle helps fuel their performances.
In general, when it comes to diet, there are three main principles to enhance vocal health: maximize general wellness and stamina, guard against acid reflux irritation of the vocal cords, and keep the digestive system comfortable rather than overstuffed. A balance of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans, and moderate amounts of healthy fats and oils, which are the staples of a plant-based diet, is therefore ideal for performing artists.
Read on to see which of your favourite artists is on our playlist this summer, including rappers, metal musicians, and pop singers.
ANITTA · SINGER
“Who has tasted plant meat? It’s like me: innovative, super hot, and good for the environment!” —A
Brazilian superstar Anitta went vegan in 2019 after watching the documentary Cowspiracy. She is so committed to promoting a plant-based lifestyle that she’s the face of an international vegan meat brand based in her home country.
BILLIE EILISH · SINGER AND SONGWRITER
“I just can’t go on in my life knowing what’s going on in the animal world and, like, not doing anything about it.” —BE
The American singer and songwriter, who first gained public attention in 2015 with her debut single “Ocean Eyes”, seems to take every opportunity she can to give back and spread a little vegan joy. Eilish was raised as a vegetarian and has been vegan for several years now. She is a very vocal advocate for animal rights: in 2021, PETA named her “Person of the Year”.
BRYAN ADAMS · ROCKSTAR
“I am always on the move but I have tonnes of energy because I am plant-based. It is absolutely the best thing you could ever do for yourself.” —BA
Bryan Adams has been making music for 40 years, 30 of those as a vegan. He’s always been open about choosing this lifestyle for the sake of the animals and our planet. He is now a founding member of bettermoo(d), a dairy alternative start-up based in Vancouver, Canada.
DERRICK GREEN · vocalist of heavy metal band Sepultura
“Without music, I don’t know if I would be a vegan.” —DG
American musician, and vocalist of Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura, Derrick Green grew up in a very musical household and had a love for music at a young age. His decision to go vegan was influenced by the book Diet for a New America by John Robbins.
Erykah Badu · songwriter, record producer and actor
“Vegan food is soul food in its truest form. Soul food means to feed the soul. And, to me, your soul is your intent. If your intent is pure, you are pure.” —EB
Her début album, “Baduizm” sold millions of copies, earned her a pair of Grammys and made her one of the most celebrated soul singers of the modern era. Erykah Badu became vegan in 2006, after being a vegetarian for 20 years.
LENNY KRAVITZ · musician, actor, and photographer
“Going plant-based is the right thing for yourself and for the planet and animals.” —LK
At age 56, Lenny Kravitz is still the ultimate rock god! He credits vegan eating with helping him maintain his rock-star physique.
LEONA LEWIS · singer
Leona Lewis has been a vegetarian since she was 12 years old and turned to veganism in 2012. The main reason for quitting the animal diet was her immense love for animals. She’s an ethical vegan and also funds an animal sanctuary called Hopefield in Essex.
LIZZO · singer
“Right now, this is what’s bringing me joy.” —L
The award-winning singer encourages her more than 16.5 million followers to go vegan one TikTok at a time, with delicious recipes and tips for local vegan restaurants. By sharing pro-vegan content online, Lizzo hopes to normalize the lifestyle and promote a new and sustainable food consumption model.
MOBY · musician
“I’m a vegan to reduce climate change, improve human health, end antibiotic resistance and rainforest deforestation, but ultimately I’m a vegan for the animals.” —M
Perhaps the most outspoken celebrity amongst his peers, Moby has been a vegan for nearly 30 years now. The gifted musician founded a fully vegan festival called Circle V, and as his many tattoos go to prove, nothing is more important to him than animal rights!
MORRISEY · frontman of British rock band The Smiths
“From the minute we made Meat is Murder I never ate meat again. Of course not; I couldn’t be hypocritical.” —M
Steven Patrick Morrissey, known as Morrissey, is the frontman of British rock band The Smiths. In 1985, the band released their second studio album, Meat Is Murder, which became – and still is – a popular animal rights slogan. Morrissey transitioned from vegetarianism to veganism in 2015.
STEVIE WONDER · musician and songwriter
One of the best-selling music artists of all time, Stevie Wonder is nothing short of a legend. The world-renowned singer explained that he decided to go vegan due to environmental and health reasons.
TANYA O’CALLAGHAN · musician and bassist
Musician and bassist Tanya O’Callaghan is a lifelong vegan and passionate animal welfare activist. Tanya grew up in the Irish countryside and was surrounded by cattle so at a young age decided she did not feel comfortable eating meat since she loved animals. Together with Derrick Green, the performer will co-host Highway To Health, a brand new TV series showcasing the benefits of a plant-based diet.
WILL.I.AM · rapper
Famous rapper, and former Black Eyed Peas member, Will.i.am went vegan for health reasons, but soon became involved in animal rights. He isn’t afraid to speak up on behalf of animals, especially via his social media platforms where he is often found relaying the important vegan message.
RZA · member of hip hop group Wu-Tang
“In my eyes, it’s being aware of what you’re putting into your system and making smart choices.” —RZA
Wu-Tang founding member RZA isn’t messing around when it comes to veganism either. The legendary rapper and producer has been one of hip-hop’s most vocal advocates of veganism for years now. He’s done video campaigns for PETA, started his own cruelty-free clothing line, and is now partnering with vegan cheese brand Violife to help launch Plant Grants, its latest initiative to expand access to plant-based cuisine within Black communities.
ZAK ABEL · singer-songwriter
“It’s one of the best decisions I ever made. I feel good physically, mentally and spiritually. I love the idea of being able to live my best life and not harm any animals in the process.” —ZA
Zak Abel made the switch four years ago for ethical reasons. Becoming vegan is one of the best decisions he has ever made that has allowed him to live his most authentic life. And that’s because he knows he isn’t harming any animals in the process.
