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African voices join the fight against Ebola

SING WITH SOUL: Mafikizolo will participate in the 'We Are the World' African cover PHOTO: Simphiwe Nkwali
SING WITH SOUL: Mafikizolo will participate in the 'We Are the World' African cover PHOTO: Simphiwe Nkwali

SOME 30 years ago, US artists helped to fight famine in Africa with a song.

The track We Are the World went on to become the soundtrack for a generation and one of the most successful social activism projects.

Today, African artists aim to repeat the same feat when they re-record We Are the World, originally composed by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.

The song will be recorded in support of the fight against ebola that has claimed more than 5000 lives in West Africa.

Leading the pack of Africa's finest singers are local Afro-pop duo Mafikizolo and the gospel ensemble Joyous Celebration.

Other local stars confirmed for the project are Donald, Lloyd Cele, Loyiso, Matthew Gold, Elvis Blue, Kurt Darren, The Arrows and Rebecca Malope.

Stars from the rest of the continent include Nigerians Tiwa Savage, Sean Tizzle, Davido, Chidinma, K-Cee and Banky W; Jose Chameleone from Uganda; R2BEES and SK Originale from Ghana; Fally Ipupa from the Democratic Republic of Congo; Wax Dey from Cameroon; and Zimbabweans Shinsoman and Gigi LaMayne.

Lindelani Mkhize is the lead producer of the song.

Theo Kgosinkwe of Mafikizolo is looking forward to the recording of the single.

"Africans have been silent for too long and we as African artists have decided to do something about it. We are honoured to be doing the cover of one of the most iconic songs in the world and hope to spread awareness and bring people together," he said.

Recording is set to start today.

The song will be available as a digital download in the first week of December.

 

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