[Charity] Raising Awareness - We Are The World USA for Africa and We Are The World 25 for Haiti

'We Are The World', the single song for charity, was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and co-produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian for the album We Are the World. And was recorded by USA for Africa to benefit famine relief in Africa. Following Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" project in the UK, an idea for the creation of an American benefit single for African famine relief came from activist Harry Belafonte, who, along with fundraiser Ken Kragen, was instrumental in bringing the vision to reality. Several musicians were contacted by the pair, before Jackson and Richie were assigned the task of writing the song. Following several months of working together, the duo completed the writing of "We Are the World" one night before the song's first recording session, in early 1985. The last recording session for the song was held on 28th January 1985. The song became a part of History, drawing some of the most famous singers and musicians, from around the world. As of 2009, it has sold more than 20 million units and raised over $63 million for humanitarian aid in Africa and the US. Released on the 7th March 1985, as the only Single from the album.

 On the 12th January 2010, a devastating earthquake hit Haiti. Over 80 of the world's top musicians came together to record a remake of the song, which was released on the 12th February 2010 entitled 'We Are The World 25 for Haiti'. Within 3 days of the song being released, between $344,430 and $798,330 had been raised by/through downloading the song. Critics hit the song hard, they did not like the rap and auto-tune that had been incorporated into the remake. Singer/Song Writer/Internet Personality Lisa Lavie's "We Are The World 25 for Haiti (YouTube Edition)" excluded the rap segment and minimized the Auto-tune that were the subject of critical reviews of the celebrity version. This version of the song was then incorporated with the Official Version, and both songs were available for download-by-donation. Critics liked the YouTube Edition of the song, feeling that it hadn't changed too much from the 'Original' song.


In the remake version of the song, Janet Jackson is brought in to do a duet with her brother, Michael. The 'Original' Video Clip and Singing of Michael remained, while Janet was added onto the side. The song was to Raise Awareness of the current disaster that had hit. Unfortunately, critics felt that the 'We Are The World 2' was a disaster in itself. The song topped more charts around the world, than the 'Original' version had previously.

All proceeds from "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" go to the (newly formed) charity We Are the World Foundation LLC, which will go straight to Haiti. The 'Original' version of the song was awarded many honours, including 3 Grammies, 1 American Music Award and a People's Choice Award.

We know that 'Natural Disasters' are unavoidable, but the loss and devastation that the Haitians endured, was nothing compared to how their lives would be afterwards. Raising Awareness in support of those who are in need - most people won't do anything about it. There are also people like myself, who may not be able to afford regular donations.... but am finding other ways - by Raising Awareness through My Blog, in hopes that others may do the same or may donate. Either way, it is showing support and Raising Awareness around the World!

The song is available for download, direct from the iTunes Store
or for more information, please visit the We Are The World Foundation

We Are The World USA for Africa 

We Are The World 25 for Haiti