In 1985, more than 40 music stars recorded “We Are the World”; proceeds from the charity single helped raise over $100 million for humanitarian work

In 1985, more than 40 music stars came together to record “We Are the World”, a charity single written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones to raise funds and awareness for famine relief in Ethiopia. Recorded on 28 January, the song sold more than seven million copies and raised over $80 million for humanitarian efforts across Africa. The organisation has raised more than $100 million through its wider fundraising efforts over four decades, supporting initiatives addressing poverty, hunger and long-term development in Africa, as well as hunger and homelessness in the United States.How did “We Are the World” support humanitarian efforts across AfricaAccording to USA for Africa’s, the original recording of We Are the World sold more than seven million copies and raised over $80 million to support humanitarian efforts across Africa. The organisation states that the proceeds supported work addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term challenges. The fundraising was initially connected to the famine and refugee crisis, with assistance channelled primarily through United Nations agencies and international non-governmental organisations experienced in emergency relief.USA for Africa’s account explains that its support subsequently extended beyond immediate emergency assistance. During the following two years, the organisation partnered with the US non-governmental organisation consortium InterAction to support initiatives increasingly focused on recovery and development. From late 1987, a further phase placed greater emphasis on long-term development and strengthening local capacity, including support for African non-governmental organisations and local associations representing farmers, women and young people.How did USA for Africa expand its impact beyond “We Are the World”Although the original recording raised more than $80 million, USA for Africa reports that its wider fundraising efforts over four decades have generated more than $100 million. The organisation attributes its broader legacy to both We Are the World and the Hands Across America event, which took place in 1986. Its work has supported efforts to address poverty and promote long-term sustainable development in Africa, as well as hunger and homelessness in the United States.In its account of the organisation’s history, USA for Africa explains that its funding has evolved, with support increasingly directed towards African organisations, community associations and initiatives designed to strengthen local participation. The organisation says its work has contributed to the development of African civil society organisations. It continues to support community-driven initiatives in Africa and the United States, although funding is now provided on a more modest scale than during its earlier years.How was “We Are the World” re-released for its 40th anniversaryTo mark the 40th anniversary of We Are the World, USA for Africa announced the song’s re-release in newly remastered formats. According to the organisation, the release introduced the recording in Spatial Audio and high-resolution audio formats. The anniversary initiative also made the song and an enhanced music video available to audiences, renewing access to a recording originally created to raise funds and awareness for famine relief.USA for Africa continues to describe the project as part of its broader mission to demonstrate the importance of individual participation and collective action in addressing global challenges. Its official history notes that, despite progress, hunger, conflict and other development challenges remain. The organisation’s continuing work focuses on supporting community-led initiatives and creating opportunities for lasting change. The original recording remains central to its history, having brought together more than 40 artists in 1985 and generated more than $80 million for humanitarian efforts across Africa, while the organisation’s wider fundraising has exceeded $100 million.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.