AFRICAN stars yesterday took a stand against ebola when they recorded the song We Are the World yesterday.
The charity single was originally recorded by the supergroup USA for Africa in 1985.
It was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian.
The African version will be produced by Oscar Mdlongwa and Lindelani Mkhize. The song will be available for download from Thursday.
Artists involved include Kenyan Liz Ogumbo, Nigerians Praiz, Davido and KCee, Gabriela from Mozambique, and locals Mafikizolo, Donald, RJ Benjamin, Moneoa, Mahotella Queens, Kelly Khumalo, MXO, Thembisile Ntaka , and Sifiso Ncwane, among others.
Speaking to Sowetan during the recording at the SABC's Radio Park studios, Mkhize said the challenge was that Africans always expect the world to help out.
"That is why MTN got all artists together, in a bid to encourage Africans to do things by themselves, and the response has been overwhelming."
Mkhize said they chose We are The World , as there was no time to compose a fresh song because they wanted to get the message out there.
He said recording a new song would require a lot of time and travelling to the rest of the continent. "We needed a song that is already there and to be able to push the message."
SA singer Ntaka said: "I am very excited and honoured to be part of such an initiative that has brought African stars together.
"This shows that we are not only talking about ebola, but are actually doing something by recording a song and taking the message to the people."
KCee from Nigeria said: "I feel honoured and this is a great opportunity, and a privilege for me to be part of this project. This project will not only send a message out there but it will also unite Africa."
bambalelep@sowetan.co.za
Africa unites against Ebola - New cause for charity classic
AFRICAN stars yesterday took a stand against ebola when they recorded the song We Are the World yesterday.
The charity single was originally recorded by the supergroup USA for Africa in 1985.
It was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian.
The African version will be produced by Oscar Mdlongwa and Lindelani Mkhize. The song will be available for download from Thursday.
Artists involved include Kenyan Liz Ogumbo, Nigerians Praiz, Davido and KCee, Gabriela from Mozambique, and locals Mafikizolo, Donald, RJ Benjamin, Moneoa, Mahotella Queens, Kelly Khumalo, MXO, Thembisile Ntaka , and Sifiso Ncwane, among others.
Speaking to Sowetan during the recording at the SABC's Radio Park studios, Mkhize said the challenge was that Africans always expect the world to help out.
"That is why MTN got all artists together, in a bid to encourage Africans to do things by themselves, and the response has been overwhelming."
Mkhize said they chose We are The World , as there was no time to compose a fresh song because they wanted to get the message out there.
He said recording a new song would require a lot of time and travelling to the rest of the continent. "We needed a song that is already there and to be able to push the message."
SA singer Ntaka said: "I am very excited and honoured to be part of such an initiative that has brought African stars together.
"This shows that we are not only talking about ebola, but are actually doing something by recording a song and taking the message to the people."
KCee from Nigeria said: "I feel honoured and this is a great opportunity, and a privilege for me to be part of this project. This project will not only send a message out there but it will also unite Africa."
bambalelep@sowetan.co.za
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