With the release of a new CD, Africa is now giving something back to him.
In the Name of Love: Africa Cele-brates U2 pays tribute to the music, culture and future of Africa, and an unprecedented musical homage to Bono and U2 for their ongoing humanitarian relief efforts aiding the beloved continent.
All of the songs were recorded exclusively for this album, and a portion of its proceeds will directly benefit the Global Fund, the world’s largest international financier of the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
The disc is populated with Grammy Award-winning/nominated African artists as well as top up-and-coming talents, including Angelique Kidjo, Les Nubians, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, Vieux Farka Touré, Vusi Mahlasela and the Soweto Gospel Choir.
There are some charity CDs that you buy out of Catholic guilt to feed those less fortunate than you. Chances are the disc is collecting dust on your bookshelf.
In the Name of Love, though, is an artistic triumph that transforms the trademark U2 rock sound into a sunny global party that is a perfect companion in the upcoming warm months.
The CD opens with Kidjo’s rendition of U2’s “Mysterious Ways.” The melody is still there, but the arrangement is completely unrecognizable. The slinky urban beat has been traded in for more earthy percussion, with the chorus sung in joyous tones.
Farka Touré’s “Bullet the Blue Sky” and Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars’ “Seconds” have a peculating beat intersecting with chattery guitars, making a delicious global gumbo that simmers.
Mahlasela’s “Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own” is a straight read of the touching ballad that appeared on U2’s last CD, while Grammy winners Les Nubians submit a playful, sultry version of “With or Without You” for your listening pleasure. The song is rewired with a hint of electronica, and the opening dialogue from these sisters re-frames the song as a kiss-off to a lover.
Most U2 fans think of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” when they think of the band in gospel terms. Soweto Gospel Choir’s “Pride (In the Name of Love)” soars to new heights that bring the song to church with style.
The gleefully chattering guitars and elastic percussion on Keziah Jones’ version of “One” are a radical departure from the soulful original. Am I crying heresy by announcing that I actually prefer this version?
Mercifully, this charity album stays clear of any political undertones that plague the continent. Only African Underground All-Stars, featuring Chosan, Optimus and Iyeoka, turn up the heat on the plight of the poor and their corrupt government during the raps that are dropped into “Desire.”
Bono and The Edge announced a while back that they were working on a musical that was being brought to Broadway. In the Name of Love sounds like U2 songs set against the backdrop of The Lion King set, with marvelous results. I predict that this song will make it onto many an iPod played poolside this summer.
An interesting component in the packaging are the gorgeous liner notes. They are packed with demographic information from each artist’s country of origin, date of independence, population size, main export, major issue facing the region, recent actions taken to improve its current state, and relevant websites with additional information.
When you read the stories behind the artists that are creating such joy on this disc, a lump is bound to form in your throat. Through the melodies of U2, they create hope in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
Malaria vaccinations, mosquito netting, access to medicine and clean water, and transportation are just some of the simple things we take for granted here that are not available to the hundreds of millions of people these musicians represent.
What an artistic global triumph that they are able to channel the songs from the biggest band in the world to raise awareness of their big problems without a hint of entitlement or guilt. Pride in the name of love, indeed.
In the Name of Love: Africa Celebrates U2 is available on iTunes and other digital media outlets, as well as select retailers. For more information, log onto africacelebratesu2.com.