USA For Africa

USA for Africa (United Support of Artists for Africa) was the name under which 44 predominantly U.S.
Remembering USA For Africa: An Incursion into the World of Music Legends
Music has been an integral part of our lives for centuries, entertaining us, uplifting us, and bringing us closer as a people. One of the greatest musical moments in history was the creation of USA For Africa, a musical supergroup comprising the biggest names in the industry, in 1985. USA For Africa was formed for a noble cause, to help alleviate famine in Africa. However, beyond its philanthropy, USA for Africa remains an unforgettable entity in the world of music. In this blog post, we will be exploring the musical biography of USA For Africa, its best songs, its music genre, some of its famous concerts, and what became of the offshoots of this legendary group.
USA for Africa was formed in response to the famine crisis in Ethiopia, which occurred from 1983-1985. Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Quincy Jones gathered 45 music legends to create a charity record We Are the World, the proceeds of which would be used to help African nations with the food crisis. The iconic single sold over 20 million copies worldwide and raised over $63 million. It featured legends such as Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Tina Turner, and Bob Dylan, among many others. The success of the record inspired simultaneous benefit concerts in London and Philadelphia. The choir would later disband, but it remains an unforgettable entity in the world of music.
USA for Africa's musical genre ranges from pop to soft rock, as evident in the songs We Are the World and We Are the Children. The group also delved into gospel and soul, as seen in their cover of That's What Friends Are For. One of the group's best songs was We Are the World, a song that speaks to the power of unity and collective action in changing the world. The song's accompanying video is a tribute to Africa's beauty and the endurance of its people and culture, and captures the heart behind the choir and its philanthropic efforts.
USA for Africa's fundraising concert was one of the most famous concerts in history, drawing in over 100,000 live spectators and millions more watching from home. The simultaneous concert featured legends like Madonna, Queen, and Mick Jagger. The Live Aid concert in London was equally iconic, raising over £40 million ($67 million) for famine relief. These concerts remain significant in the entertainment industry, drawing thousands of spectators to subsequent benefit concerts.
A critic of USA for Africa might argue that the group was a publicity stunt that achieved little in the long term besides raising money for famine relief. However, music is an art, and it transcends the realms of criticism and analysis. Music resounds in the soul, and USA for Africa's music uplifts and inspires the human spirit, beyond the moment of its creation. The good works that USA for Africa produced cannot be unmade. The group gave a voice to the most indigent of people and amplified their cry for help. USA for Africa's music brings memories of resolution, hope, and unity that are needed now more than ever before.
USA for Africa remains one of the most significant musical super-groups the world has ever known. Its superlative record, We Are the World, remains one of the best-selling records of all time, and its legacy lives on in the entertainment industry. The group created music that transcends time and space, elevating the human spirit and bringing hope to millions of people worldwide who have been inspired to carry on the mantle of philanthropy. Although the group has disbanded, its music remains unforgettable, a timeless ode to the power of unity and the beauty of the art form. USA for Africa is a noteworthy reminder that music unites us all and opens doors of opportunity that might have otherwise been closed.