ARTISTS

ANGELIQUE KIDJO ~ West Africa

With joy and passion Angelique embodies the spirit of Africa. Through her music, life and exuberant commitment to advocacy she exemplifies unity, peace and diversity.

Angelique Kidjo has been deemed “Africa’s premier diva” by Time Magazine, and the moniker speaks accurately to the singular career and life she has forged: Like Miriam Makeba was before her, Kidjo is the continent’s most internationally celebrated female musical exponent. And yet, the GRAMMY-winning artist has lived outside Africa for more than two decades. She currently resides in New York City, where she is an exceptionally active member of the music scene, and she reaches people around the world with her recordings, tours and philanthropic work.

“25 years ago “We are The World” has shown us that the power of music can go beyond entertainment and remind us there is only one humanity. I always call my microphone my “weapon of mass loving”. I think I got the idea from this beautiful song!” ~Angelique Kidjo~

SONG: ~Agbalagba~ http://tinyurl.com/UnitedInSong

 

AURELIO MARTINEZ with YOUSSOU N’DOUR ~ Western Carabbean & Senegal ~ Africa

Acclaimed for both his preservation and modernization of the Paranda musical tradition, Aurelio’s virtuosity is found in his distinctive, penetrating vocals and his talent as a composer. Aurelio was born into a family possessing a long and distinguished musical tradition in the small Garifuna community of Plaplaya in Honduras. Aurelio began playing guitar as soon as he was old enough to hold the instrument. By the age of six he was regularly playing drums at social gatherings. Inspired by his grandmother and his father, Aurelio gathered a vast repertoire, which later enabled him to develop his own style.

Thanks to a mentorship with Afro pop legend Youssou N’Dour as part of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, Martinez found himself in Senegal learning from the stunning singer, rethinking his arrangements and as you will hear in “Labaru Wanwa”, the result is a lush journey marked with thoughtful reflections that Garifuna music is alive and well, and that artists are moving it forward.

SONG: ~Labaru Wanwa~ http://tinyurl.com/UnitedInSong2 [pwd: garifuna]

BOMBAY DUB ORCHESTRA ~ UK / India

Step inside the sound of Bombay Dub Orchestra consisting of British composer/producers Garry Hughes and Andrew T. Mackay and experience the crossroads where Mumbai, Chennai, and London musically meet.  “Travelling the world and recording in many countries reminds us that we all have more in common than we have differences,” say Garry and Andrew. Having built their reputation on original music that straddles genres between Indian Classical, electronica, and ambient music, Bombay Dub Orchestra have played to enthusiastic cross-cultural music fans across the globe.

Billboard Magazine has called them “…an extremely unique sort of chill that’s equally beholden to Indian traditional forms, South Asian underground and a Western symphonic sensibility.”

“Traveling the world and recording in many countries reminds us that we all have more in common than we have differences.” ~BDO~

SONG: ~Feel (Thievery Corp Remix)~ http://tinyurl.com/UnitedInSong15

EMI MEYER ~ Japan/Seattle

Emi Meyer is a bilingual singer-songwriter and pianist known for her poetic lyrics and voice. Born in Kyoto, Japan, she moved to Seattle before the age of one. Her first self-released album, Curious Creature (2007) garnered much attention and was used in several film soundtracks in the US.  She is winner of the Seattle Kobe Jazz Vocalist Competition in 2007, and received Best New Jazz Artist on iTunes Japan for 2009.

“I am honored to be involved in the 25th anniversary of We Are The World.  In 25 years, technology has advanced so much, yet some things remain unchanged: you can send music files across the world, but we still have to find ways to deliver drinking water to children in need.  As artists, we now have tools to speak to our listeners directly about the issues that matter.  My song “Kimi Ni Tsutaetai”  is a love song about the importance of choosing.  When someone makes you realize that you can choose what to do in your life, that makes him or her worth more than anything!  With musicians from many countries on this compilation, I hope we can spread the message of the We Are The World legacy in many languages: “don’t just watch, take action!” ~Emi Meyer~

SONG: ~Kimi Ni Tsutaetai~ http://tinyurl.com/UnitedInSong20

 

G LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE  ~ North America ~ Philadelphia

Fifteen years and fifteen major label releases later, G. Love and Special Sauce, which now consists of band members Garrett Dutton (G. Love) on guitar/vocals/harmonica, Jeff Clemens on drums, Timo Shanko on bass and Mark Boyce on keyboard, continue on their long, successful run as one of Pollstar’s top 40 grossing touring acts.

It’s been a long, successful run for the Philadelphia native and self-described “hip-hop blues artist,” whose self-titled 1994 Okeh/Epic Records debut was certified Gold on the strength of the MTV hit, “Cold Beverage”. With over 1.5 million records sold worldwide, G. Love continues to bring live music to his fans with over 150+ live performances a year.

“I think of us as a rock and roll group,” explains G. Love. “We definitely incorporate a lot of different flavors, which is why we tried to focus on what we’re known for this time… Making sure the backbeats are funky. Each song tells a unique story, both in subject and musical style.”

Taking advantage of the vast new ways to connect with his fans, G. Love now consistently blogs and fanatically posts videos on YouTube, which track him rehearsing songs in various stages of development. He’s also penned a children’s book, appeared in an independent film, Rigged, produced blues legend John Hammond’s recent album, Push Comes to Shove, and is currently working on his next album to be released by Brushfire Records in 2010.

“This is the age of the independent record label,” he acknowledges. “It’s an exciting and scary time to be doing what we’re doing. The fans have been very supportive. As a touring band with a great base, that’s the rock on which all this is built.” ~ G Love ~

SONG: ~Peace, Love & Happiness~ http://tinyurl.com/UnitedInSong10

 

LEROY BELL ~ North America ~Seattle

With roots firmly planted in soul and R&B, LeRoy Bell has a vivid history as half of the youthful songwriting team Bell and James, the duo that penned hits for major recording artists including Sir Elton John. Today’s LeRoy Bell (with his Only Friends Terry Morgan on bass and Davis Martin on drums) has gained recognition and acceptance as a performer playing out on the contemporary music scene with the likes of Sheryl Crow, B.B. King, Leon Russell, Van Morrison and others.

“A Change is Coming” takes a cue from Bell’s roots with the soul and R&B styles incorporated into the song. He sees the problems of a troubled world and sings about them and this song speaks to many important issues with rhythm, melody and passion.”

”I am deeply honored to be  part of this global cause. I remember quite vividly how the first “We Are The World” inspired so many  of us to come together to help those in desperate need.  Although things have changed, some for the better, many conditions in our world have declined. Our struggle to improve the planet continues.  Now more than ever we must take to heart what the words  “We Are The World” truly mean.  What happens to some of us happens to us all … “   ~ LeRoy Bell ~

SONG: ~A Change Is Coming~ http://tinyurl.com/UnitedInSong12

LILA DOWNS ~ Mexico/NY

Lila Downs was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and grew up in California, and Minnesota, where she graduated from the University of Minnesota in voice and anthropology. Her musical vision is anthropological in nature, as varied as the ancient and earthy cultures that continue to nurture and inspire her. The topic of her music is often political and social justice, immigration, and transformation, all rooted in the human condition.

A Latin Grammy winner and Grammy nominee, Lila Downs brings a dramatic and highly unique reinvention of traditional Mexican music as well as original compositions infused with blues, jazz, soul, African root, and even klezmer music, all supporting her soaring voice. Some would classify Lila as a Mexican artist, but there is no real way to categorize her music except to say that it is a unique and exciting fusion of international sounds. A musical journey with Lila Downs is always a fascinating one, simultaneously edgy and powerful, yet sumptuous and graceful.

“USA for Africa was one of the first organizations to unite musicians in a massive effort to affect social change for good.  I’m honored to be included in this project.” ~ Lila Downs ~

SONG: ~Arenita Azul~ http://tinyurl.com/UnitedInSong4

 

LUISA MAITA ~ Brazil

Since the moment she was born in 1982 in the Bela Vista neighborhood of São Paulo, Brazil, Luísa Maita has been surrounded by music. Hailed by NPR’s All Things Considered as “The New Voice of Brazil”, Luísa was born into a musical family and started singing at a young age with her father, Amado Maita, whose 1970s album is coveted by vinyl collectors. At the age of seven, she began her professional career by recording advertising jingles and as a teenager she began singing in São Paulo’s active nightlife scene. Luísa is a rising star in Brazil, and her compositions have been performed by popular Brazilian musicians such as Virginia Rosa & Mariana Aydar (the latter selected as “Song Of The Year” by Rolling Stone Brazil). Her voice was recently featured in two promotional videos directed by Fernando Meirelles (City of God) for Brazil’s successful bid for the 2016 Olympics. She has since exploded onto the international music scene with the release of her debut album Lero-Lero by Cumbancha Discovery in July 2010.

“I’m very proud to be part of the WE ARE THE WORLD PROJECT. It’s an honor to be included in a project that originally included so many of my heros. I remember hearing it when I was a child and feeling like we were all connected, everyone all over the world, was part of one energy. I hope that this new project can touch people in the same way.” – Luísa Maita ~

SONG: ~Fulaninha~ http://tinyurl.com/UnitedInSong5

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD ~ North America

Michael was born to an Irish-German-French mother and an African American and American Indian father in Oakland, then adopted by a Finnish American couple who raised him along with their three biological children and another African American son. While studying at the University of San Francisco, Franti formed the punk band The Beatnigs, and later the far more hip hop-inflected The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. Through it all, Franti has crossed all sorts of musical and physical boundaries in order to make music for everybody.

In the mid-Nineties, Franti first formed Spearhead, and increasingly in recent years, he’s found his own voice musically and his own organic brand of popular success. Franti and Spearhead’s last album, 2008’s All Rebel Rockers – recorded in Jamaica with legendary producers and players Sly & Robbie – became the biggest album of Franti’s career, hitting the Top 40 on the Billboard 200, and yielded his biggest hit, the Top 20 “Say Hey (I Love You).”

SONG: ~Hello Bonjour~ http://tinyurl.com/UnitedInSong6

 

RAZIA SAID ~ Madagascar

Singer and songwriter Razia Said’s nomadic life has taken her across Africa to France, Italy, Ibiza, Bali and New York City, but despite these wanderings, her heart and soul remains inexorably tethered to Madagascar, the land of her birth. Her musical explorations have also been wide ranging, and over the years Razia has experimented with French chanson, rock, jazz and even smooth, Sade-style R&B. But it took reaching back to her cultural roots for Razia to uncover her true artistic calling as one of African music’s most promising talents and in February 2007 Razia returned to Madagascar to reconnect with the land she left as an eleven year-old child. For six weeks, Razia and her band traveled around the island, and discovered along the way the environmental damage taking place as the result of unfettered slash and burn agriculture and climate change. Zebu Nation, released on Cumbanca Discovery in February 2010, was the outcome of this journey and Razia’s longing to protect and preserve the environmental and cultural heritage of her homeland permeates the songs on the album, giving it a powerful, real-world significance.

“Michael Jackson was always about trying to help the planet through music, he is a real inspiration for what I am doing in Madagascar.” ~Razia Said~

SONG: ~Slash and Burn~ http://tinyurl.com/UnitedInSong9

SHAMARR ALLEN ~ North America ~  New Orleans

Jazz Cat. Traditionalist. Pop Icon. Rapper. Rocker. Shamarr Allen is none of the above. The New Orleans trumpeter and vocalist who leads his own funk band, the Underdawgs, is making his mark on the national landscape as an artist determined not to be pigeonholed into any one genre. And his mounting fandom is enjoying the ride.

The 2009-2010 calendar year brought tremendous opportunity to Allen, including a performance for Barack Obama, a multi-city tour with country icon Willie Nelson, studio sessions with Nelson and friends, Ray Price, Leon Russell and R.E.M., the release of the red hot Saints anthem, Bring ‘Em to the Dome (racking up an impressive 500,000 hits on YouTube) and the production of the oil spill song “Sorry Ain’t Enough No More.”

A household name in New Orleans, not just for his scorching trumpet playing or playful vocals, but for his ability to bridge hip-hop, jazz, funk and rock, Allen leapt out of the box with the 2009 crowd pleasing release of “Box Who In?”

And limited he is not. Allen has risen through the ranks as a member of the Wolfpack, Mahogany, Hot 8 and ReBirth brass bands and he has shared stages with some of New Orleans’ finest. But, he has recently come into his own as a bandleader to be reckoned with.

” I’m truly privileged and honored to be a part of this project.  When I create music I always want it to a have message and  stand for something. To be a part of something so powerful makes me feel like my music is helping the cause! ” ~Shamarr Allen~

SONG: ~Only In America~ http://tinyurl.com/UnitedInSong16

 

ABIGAIL WASHBURN & THE SHANGHAI RESTORATION PROJECT ~ China

Traditional Chinese instruments meet hip-hop and electronica

Illinois-born, clawhammer banjo player Abigail Washburn is known for her ability to pair venerable folk elements with far-flung sounds. Her origins as a professional musician can be traced back to an unexpected record deal, a canceled one-way ticket to China, and ultimately the resulting album, Song of the Traveling Daughter (2005).  Following her successful solo debut came Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet, a set of compositions sprouted from seeds of American and Chinese folk featuring cellist Ben Sollee, fiddler Casey Driessen and three-finger-style banjo player Bela Fleck. Today Washburn is preparing for the release of her new album City of Refuge. Produced by Tucker Martine, the sound is something completely different even for Washburn: a sublime marriage of old-time and indie-pop.  City of Refuge has been featured on NPR’s All Songs Considered, Daytrotter and Relix magazine and is scheduled to be released in January 2011.

Combining traditional Chinese instruments with hip-hop and electronica, The Shanghai Restoration Project (TSRP) debuted as MSN Music’s “New Artist of the Week” in early 2006. Since then select releases have reached #1 on several electronic charts (iTunes, Amazon, MSN Music) around the world. TSRP songs have been used in numerous television shows, films, and commercials including a worldwide advertisement for LVMH/Kenzo and NBC and BBC’s broadcast of the 2008 Olympics. TSRP producer Dave Liang graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Applied Mathematics and Economics. Classically trained and a former New York All-State jazz pianist, he has worked with artists on Bad Boy, Warner, Yamaha, and Universal. His work has been featured on NPR, The New York Times, BBC World Service, FADER Magazine, Wired.com, and The Wall Street Journal.

“Abigail Washburn and The Shanghai Restoration Project are very proud to be a part of WE ARE THE WORLD / UNITED IN SONG. By broadening the initial mission of USA for Africa to include socially conscious artists from all over the globe, the compilation reinforces the notion that the problems of the world aren’t restricted to one region and that we can all do our part to help.” ~ Abigail Washburn ~

SONG: ~Sala~ http://tinyurl.com/UniteInSong13

SIERRA LEONE’S RUFUGEE ALL STARS ~ Sierra Leone – Africa

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars started playing music together in West African refugee camps while their homeland was being wracked by years of bloody warfare. In just six whirlwind years, the group has gone from being unknown musicians languishing in various refugee camps to being the subject of an acclaimed documentary film, touring the world to support a critically revered album, appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and sharing the stage and studio with Aerosmith and other international stars. The musicians that would eventually form Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars are all originally from Freetown, and they were forced to leave the capital city at various times after violent rebel attacks during the horrifying war that forced millions to flee their homes. American filmmakers Zach Niles and Banker White encountered the band in a refugee camp in Guinea and ended up following them for three years as they moved from camp to camp, bringing much needed joy to fellow refugees with their heartfelt performances. The subsequent documentary and album was a critical success and the band continues to share their positive music with the world, releasing their sophomore album on Cumbancha in March of 2010. Recorded in New Orleans and featuring some of the Crescent City’s most illustrious musicians, the album Rise & Shine has led to even further acclaim for a group whose star continues to rise.

“Up to now the We Are The World video and song continues to be hugely popular in Sierra Leone – you can hear it in the bars and restaurants at night, in the taxis and on the ferrys. It was a powerful moment for us and we felt connected to the rest of the world. As survivors of war, the hopeful message of the song still resonates strongly and now as much as ever we need to believe that this positive dream can be a reality. We are so proud to in some way contribute to furthering the We Are The World message.” ~SLRAS~

SONG: ~Jah Mercy~ http://tinyurl.com/UnitedInSong14

 

VIEUX FARKA TOURE ~ Africa

With his 2010 World Cup performance before a billion people —yes, you heard that right—in Johannesburg, South Africa, Vieux Farka Touré has become one of the most celebrated African guitarists in history.  His latest album, VFT Live captures the excitement of the World Cup performance, but it also confirms what tens of thousands of music fans around the world already know: Vieux Farka Touré’s live show is championship caliber.

Vieux Farka Touré, the son of the great Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré, has already stepped out from his late father’s shadow.  More than a world music artist embracing the sounds of rock, this is music from a contemporary Africa – urban, sophisticated, globally connected but deeply proud of its ancient heritage.  Yet with every note he plays, Vieux references both his father’s legacy and the rich history of Malian music, simultaneously bringing that history into a present-day context. Vieux’s sophomore effort, Fondo (2009), was unanimously hailed as one of the best contemporary African music releases of the year.

“No matter where you are, you are living now in a global village; there is no more denying our human connections and we must embrace this interconnectedness.  As we say in Mali: one people, one goal, one faith.” ~Vieux Farka Toure~

SONG: ~FaFa~ http://tinyurl.com/UnitedInSong11