MTN-backed African artists set to tackle Ebola with ‘We Are the World’ cover

A number of African artists are set to perform and release a cover of “We are the World” in support of cellular giant MTN’s efforts in the fight against Ebola.

Approximately 70 artists, made up mostly of MTN ambassadors and friends from all corners of Africa have confirmed their availability to record the song, which will be available in Full Track, Tru Tone formats for R10 and Caller Tune for R3.

All proceeds from sales will be donated to the African Union and will count over and above the US$10-million pledge already made by the MTN Group to the African Union.

Among the South African artists confirmed are: Donald, Mafikizolo, Lloyd Cele, Loyiso, Matthew Gold, Elvis Blue, Kurt Darren, The Arrows, MTN Joyous Celebration and Dr. Rebecca Malope. They will be joined by artists from across the continent including Sean Tizzle (Nigeria), Jose Chameleone (Uganda), R2BEES (Ghana), Fally (DRC), Wax Dey (Cameroon), SK Originale (Ghana), Shinsoman (Zimbabwe), Gigi LaMayne (Zimbabwe), Davido (Nigeria), Chidinma (Nigeria), Sound Sultans (Nigeria), K-Cee (Nigeria), Diamond (Tanzania) and Banky W (Nigeria). Lindelani Mkhize is the lead producer of the song.

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“Considering that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that there could be as many as 10 000 new EVD (Ebola Virus Desease) cases per week by December 2014, we needed to take immediate action,” says Larry Annetts, Chief Marketing Officer at MTN SA. “A solid and original musical production of this nature is dependent on availability of artists, sufficient time to compose and produce original lyrics and instrumentation as well as adequate time to observe copyright and publishing administration. ‘We are the world’ was readily available for us to utilise for this campaign and has a positive history in raising awareness and funds for socially responsible projects. We believe it will achieve the desired results to assist in efforts to fight Ebola with the support of African artists, businesses and the public.”

The announcement comes as another charity single, engineered by Bob Geldof under the BandAid 30 banner, has been receiving criticism for its overly-simplistic portrayal of Africa, as well as for only including one actual African artist.

MTN customers can download the Full tracks and Tru Tone for R10 or make it their Caller Tune for R3 by dialling *123*55#. Alternatively, the public can logon to www.mtnplay.co.za to download.