We are the world – Africa sings NO to xenophobia

It’s a song that has brought people together across social, racial and political divides since 1985 when it was first penned by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.

Its original purpose was to raise funds for “African famine relief”, which was the cause in vogue at the time. Since then it has been resurrected to raise money for disasters such as the Haiti earthquake of 2010, and again most recently to protest the xenophobic violence that has plagued parts of South Africa.

In April, 180 African stars from seven countries across the continent came together in a show of unity.

Artists from Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe have recorded what is a really moving, beautiful version of the song, which was debuted at the recent MTN Radio Awards in South Africa.

Organisers said, “It features 180 artists from across the African continent and is a demonstration of the beautiful music that Africans can make when we work together.”

The musicians who lent their voice to the song include:

Nigeria: Harrysong, Iyanya, Praiz, Tiwa Savage, Emma Nyra, D’Prince, Reekado Banks, Di’Ja, Victor Pedro, Yemi Alade, Banky W, Sean Tizzle, Emmy Gee, Patoranking, Kcee, Iceberg, Dr Sid, Don Jazzy and Mosa

South Africa: Thembisile Ntaka, Kurt Darren, Elvis Blue, Sfiso Ncwane, Pastor Jabu Hlongwane, MXO, Thandiswa Mazwai, Donald, Khaya Mthethwa, Steve Kekana, Ziyon, RazorKutt, Moneoa, Kelly Khumalo, PJ Powers, Danny K, Lloyd Cele, Mathew Gold, Loyiso, Zamo, Gigi LaMayne and RJ Benjamin, as well as the groups Mafikizolo, Mahotella Queens and Joyous Celebration

Zimbabwe: Melly Mel, GPB, LyM-C, Thaiwanda and Thailand

Cameroon: Wax Dey

Kenya: Liz Ogumbo

Mozambique: Gabriela and Lizha James

Tanzania: Diamond

The musical director was Lindelani Mkhize, assistant musical director Oskido and sound engineer Richard Mitchell.

The audio track is available here http://bit.ly/1GiezpS, and the music video here http://bit.ly/1JaKSYJ. Radio stations are encouraged to post the links on their websites for listeners to download, and help end xenophobia in Africa.

Words by Emily Pettit-Coetzee