Music: We Are the World 25 for Haiti
The year 2010 was one of the darkest periods in Haiti’s history having experienced a catastrophic earthquake that destroyed properties and led to a loss of lives. Figures given by the government showed that over 100,000 people died during that disaster while hundreds of thousands were left homeless. ‘We Are the World 25 for Haiti’ is a charitable music single that was produced in 2010 in response to the Haiti earthquake tragedy. Tens of popular celebrities took part in the song with the aim of producing a musical piece that would reach out to many people all over the world, and all proceeds were to extend aid to the Haiti earthquake catastrophe victims. Produced by Quincy Jones and directed by Paul Haggis, ‘We Are the World 25 for Haiti’ was remake of ‘We Are the World’ that was originally written by renowned musicians Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson in 1985(Aeromental.net).
The original piece of 1985 had been dedicated to helping in the relief of famine victims in Africa just like the remake in 2010 that was dedicated to the Haitians. But then, the song cannot be categorized to a particular genre as it blends different styles including Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, and Pop Rock. However, the song is majorly grounded on the R&B genre except some of the rap verses included portraying Hip Hop music. ‘We Are the World 25 for Haiti’ included a tremendous 34 soloist singers and 40 chorus singers. Key soloist singers include Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson (archived material), Miley Cyrus, Celine Dion, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and Akon. The chorus involved singers such as Keri Hilson, Tyrese Gibson, Shakira, Trey Songz, and Robin Thicke(Aeromental.net).
I chose to write on this particular piece of music because of the charity it portrays a humanitarian effort by the music industry. As in the lyrics of the song, Michael Jackson says that we are the people to make brighter days and so we should start giving(Azlyrics.com). As such the song is founded on humane as an important virtue possessed by human beings. It is undeniable that the song is aimed at a good course of helping out people who are homeless and suffering; hence the song portrays the humane values of the American people. In the song, Celine Dion says that change only comes when we stand together as one. These reveals how the entire song is focused on impacting or promoting change for the better(Azlyrics.com). The song is not about contemporary lifestyles but a concern about how we can contribute to making the planet a better place for everybody.
‘We Are the World 25 for Haiti’ is one of the greatest and favorite pieces of music I have always loved because of its message and conglomeration of great artists. One great lesson I have learned from the song is always to come on board to help out when there is an issue to do with humanity. A common effort is always necessary to overwhelm a challenging issue or situation.The song was exemplary because it was successful in making millions in proceeds especially after topping most charts around the world for several weeks after the Haiti disaster.
Works Cited
Aeromental.net,. “We Are The World 25 For Haiti (Full Video And Singers List)”. Aeromental.net. N.p., 2010. Web. 8 Dec. 2016.
Azlyrics.com,. “ARTISTS FOR HAITI LYRICS – We Are The World 25 For Haiti”. Azlyrics.com. N.p., 2010. Web. 8 Dec. 2016.