Ethiopians release 'Live Aid' song

By Damian Zane
BBC, Addis Ababa

The song and concert are inspired by the worldwide appeal Live Aid

Even the greatest lovers of Ethiopia would have to admit that it has a very negative image internationally.

Many people associate the country with hunger and think that it is always asking for international help.

A group of Ethiopians is trying to change all that by organising a mass fundraising event themselves - called a "Birr for a Compatriot".

On 25 May, there is going to be a concert in the capital Addis Ababa's main square, and a telethon to encourage people to donate money.

The song "Negarit" (War Drum) has now been released to get people in the mood for giving.

Idealistic song

The song is in effect the campaign's theme tune and listening to the lyrics, it certainly chimes with its ideals.

The song is performed by eight of Ethiopia's best-known vocalists, who were clearly enjoying themselves all crowded round the microphone in a tiny back room studio in Addis Ababa

The big concert will be held in Addis Ababa

The recording room's creaky door certainly did not put anyone off - in fact, for a group of people more used to singing about love, they seemed to relish this opportunity of doing something different.

With just over two weeks to go before the big concert, there is not a lot of time to see if Ethiopians will rally to the cause.

But the song will certainly help.

The lyrics of the song go like this:

An evil day has come closer with the vicious enemy: hunger
Beat the Negarit
Make the people aware
Summon them for the imminent battle
Like our famous victories of the past

Let's fight the enemy with hoes and spades
And other better ways and means
To change our name from receivers to achievers

Our flag, symbol of unity, of liberty and victory
Where is your full grace and beauty
If it fails to free the country from the horrors of poverty?