By Fumie Yoshida
On July 2, 2005, there was a large-scale live charity concert called "Live 8," which gathered famous artists from around the world. This Concerts took place in the U.K., the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, South Africa, Italy, Russia, and Japan. This live concert was broadcast from London and approximately 3 billion people watched it on TV.
The purpose of "Live 8" was to make an appeal to countries attending the G8 summit to cancel the debts of Africa, to help raise money, and to stop poverty in the world.
One spokesman of this event was Bono, the volcalist of U2, a band from Ireland. According to the magazine "rockinﾕ on" he urged Chancellor Schreder, President Bush, and President Chirac to add development money for Africa during the G8 summit, which took place in Scotland.
Because of his efforts, the money raised for Africa this year totaled $50 billion. However, it will not cancel the obligations of the 14 needy countries in Africa.
When we look back at his personal history, Bono has tried to get the debts of needy countries cancelled. He also wrote political songs about the Northern Ireland incident and the civil war in Bosnia. He was criticized, but he continues to actively tackle politic issues.
He also established an organization called DATA (the Department of Aid and Trade for Africa) and appealed to wealthy nations to treat developing countries fairly regarding trade and to help with the fight against AIDS. U2 is one of the few politically active bands to have a No.1 album on the music charts.
"Live 8" was one way to help solve the above problems not just as a live charity event to raise money, but also as a political event to raise awareness with Bono acting as a leader.
This is not the first time to hold an event like this for Africa. In 1984, Bob Geldoff of the British band Boom Town Rats, saw Ethiopian people suffering from starvation on TV and formed a group named "Band Aid" to help them. This became the origin of "Live 8" 20 years later.
In 1985 Geldoff said, "We helped millions of people to live, but we must give more to improve their lives," and he then announced the framework of "Live Aid." "Live Aid" took place in the U.K. and the U.S. on July 13, 1985. Madonna, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Led Zeppelin, The Who and other bands performed.
The single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" raised $270,000 for Africa the year before "Live Aid." This money was sent to Ethiopia for food, medicine, water wagons and medical tents.
The total contribution to ﾒLive Aidﾓ from around the world was $350 million, but Japan collected only $3 million because of some problems in televising the event. This money was used for irrigation facilities and setting up wells. Geldoff said, "The purpose of 'Live Aid' is to gather money," and he also said, "I chose musicians, knowing how many people they can attract. If we can reach many people, we can collect much money and increase the number of people who can survive in Africa." At that time, Geldoff and many musicians had to be satisfied with raising $350 million.
What has changed in the ensuing 20 years? After all, poverty has not disappear. Well, for one thing, Bono has appeared.
This time organizers wanted more than merely a live charity event like "Live Aid" in 1985. "Live 8" grasped that the problems in Africa are political problems, and so they focused their efforts on advanced countries. The result was a promise of $50 billion in aid.
It is so difficult to change needy countries into wealthy countries. Musicians are not usually politicians, but they can help people. People were moved by the musicians at "Live 8" and they donated to this large-scale charity event because they understood the importance of aid for Africa.
It is very humane to give needy people a helping hand even when they are from different countries. People seem to be helping each other less these days and don't think of others but only think of themselves.
"Live 8," "Band Aid," and "Live Aid" brought attention to poverty in Africa. These events not only send music to the world, but also send needed help. We must continue telling the message that people need to help each other.