UNITED IN SONG BRINGS TOGETHER THE BEST IN WORLD MUSIC
TO CELEBRATE PEACE AND UNITY IN THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY
For Immediate Release
January 25, 2011
Contact: Lisa Vega / 213.247.3075
lisa@lisavegagroup.com
COMPILATION CD IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES FOR
UNITED SUPPORT OF ARTISTS FOR AFRICA (USA FOR AFRICA)
2011 Grammy Nominated Artist Angelique Kidjo, Artists Michael Franti & Spearhead, Aurelio Martinez with Youssou N'Dour, LeRoy Bell, Lila Downs, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, Razia Said, Abigail Washburn & the Shanghai Restoration Project, Luisa Maita, G Love & Special Sauce, and Vieux Farka Toure Contributed Tracks to United In Song
"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
Los Angeles (January 25, 2011) -- Once again USA For Africa has provided a forum for musicians to change the world through song with their latest project United In Song available now at hundreds of digital storefronts across the globe including iTunes¨, Amazon, eMusic, and Rhapsody in the U.S. The collection features contributions from the world music community's top performers, all coming together in the spirit of global unity and peace. It is a celebration of world music with an upbeat assortment of songs that is both enlightening and uplifting and offers a sampling of the best of the genre. This record is the first in a series under the USA For Africa brand that celebrates diversity and brings to light important causes facing the world today.
"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." says Vieux Farka Toure
The global artists featured on United In Song represent the next generation of musicians to use their talents to inform and ignite action. Each song presented speaks to an issue or cause valued and supported by the respective artists. One of those artists, Angelique Kidjo, is nominated for the Best Contemporary World Music Album for Oyo featuring the track "Agbalagba" which appears on United In Song. In addition, the Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars album Rise & Shine was named the #1 Album of the Year 2010 on the World Music Charts Europe and features the song "Jah Mercy," also included on United In Song.
Rounding out the stellar line-up of artists are Lila Downs, Aurelio Martinez with Youssou N'Dour, Michael Franti & Spearhead, LeRoy Bell, Razia Said, Abigail Washburn & the Shanghai Restoration Project, Luisa Maita, G Love & Special Sauce, Vieux Farka Toure, Emi Meyer, Shamarr Allen, and Bombay Dub Orchestra. Each artist has a story to tell that speaks to the human condition and demands attention. From the issues facing young women in Africa and Brazil, to social issues and the need for change, to the call for world unity for a better future -- this collection delivers a powerful message through the voices and music of today's modern troubadours.
As an added bonus the original 1985 recording of We Are The World is included on the compilation to mark the 25th Anniversary of the historic recording. Proceeds from United In Song add to USA for Africa's ongoing commitment to Africa with more support aimed at the continent, and Africa-focused programs around the world, targeting food, security, clean water, malaria, AIDS, the plight of women and children, and the environment.
Artists / Tracks on United In Song include:
| Song | Artist | Country |
| Sala | Abigail Washburn & the Shanghai Restoration Project | China |
| Agbalagba | Angelique Kidjo | Benin, West Africa |
| Labaru Wanwa | Aurelio Martinez w/ Youssou N'Dour | Western Caribbean /Senegal |
| Feel | Bombay Dub Orchestra | Great Britain / India |
| Kimi Ni Tsutaetai | Emi Meyer | Japan |
| Peace, Love, and Happiness | G. Love & Special Sauce | North America |
| A Change Is Coming | LeRoy Bell | North America |
| Arenita Azul | Lila Downs | Mexico |
| Fulaninha | Luisa Maita | Brazil |
| Hello Bonjour | Michael Franti & Spearhead | North America |
| Only In America | Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs | North America |
| Jah Mercy | Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars | Sierra Leone |
| Slash and Burn | Razia Said | Madagascar |
| Fafa | Vieux Farka Toure' | Mali |
| We Are The World | Original Artists | North America |
United In Song is one of those rare projects that offer the opportunity to discover and appreciate world music while also showing the global community's support for Africa. We (really) are the world and this special collection demonstrates the amazing potential when we unite for the good of all. The collection of songs on United in Song was compiled by Executive Producers Suzie Weston and Alexia Baum.
For media inquires, review copies, interviews please contact:
Lisa Vega Group / 626.974.5404
www.lisavegagroup.com
Lisa Vega / 213.247.3075 / lisa@lisavegagroup.com
Lex Gable / 310.703.8389 / lex@lisavegagroup.com
>> read more
>> press release October 29, 2010
>> see digital brochure for "WATW United in Song" (*.pdf file)
>> buy the digital download for "WATW United in Song"
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