Africa Stop Ebola

Way back in 1984, two British musicians, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, brought together a stellar line up of singers and musicians to record a song to draw attention to, and raise money for relief of, a devastating famine in Ethiopia.

‘Do they know it’s Christmas?’ was a huge hit and sold over 11 million copies worldwide.

The song was re-recorded in 1989 and again in 2004, in response to further crises. Both of these were just pale imitations of the original recording.

Well now it has happened again. With a line up featuring the pop ‘talent’ of 2014, a new version has been recorded, ostensibly to raise funds to fight the ebola epidemic that is devastating parts of West Africa.

Sadly, but unsurprisingly, it is the worst version yet.

So rather than linger on this lame effort let’s celebrate an alternative song, recorded by some genuine musical talent from Africa itself.

Featuring legendary African artists like Tiken Jah Fakoly, Salif Keita, Amadou and Mariam; this collaboration is actually worth listening to.