For decades, food insecurity has remained one of the most prevalent issues seen affecting individuals around the globe. With climate change, conflict, and increased living costs all acting as contributors, food has remained scarce and will continue to do so for years to come. In fact, it was estimated that by 2030, more than 600 million people worldwide will face hunger issues (Goal 2: Zero Hunger). To tackle this growing concern, the United Nations introduced “Zero Hunger.” Zero Hunger is one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals that calls for the immediate action of every country to help shape a hunger free world by 2030. Through multidimensional approaches, this global food pandemic can be managed. The question is, how can this situation be effectively confronted amongst the many communities who are divided by language barriers, cultures, and different belief systems? Unexpectedly, the answer lies in music. Music is the one medicine whose remedy can bring about change and interlink many of the world’s differences with ease. When it comes to healing humanity, music teaches people of unity and of selflessness. An example of music’s influence can be seen in relation to the global hunger pandemic, in which a multitude of artists have used their platforms to bring awareness and support to the cause. Through the collective efforts of numerous musicians addressing this hunger crisis, music culture became an emblem of hope, birthing music singles, live concerts, and hunger organizations all created for the sole purpose of helping those in need.
In response to the global hunger pandemic, music singles became one of the many effective approaches utilized by artists to bring awareness and support for causes concerning food insecurity. For instance, one of the most detrimental events to happen in the 20th century was the Ethiopian Famine of the 1980s. Occurring from 1983 to 1985, millions of Ethiopians found themselves suffering from a food and resource shortage, leading to an estimated one-million deaths (Reid). Ethiopia’s suffering sparked a worldwide outcry, compelling a magnified humanitarian aid movement around the globe. Perhaps one of the most prominent developments that came out of this movement was the “USA for Africa” campaign. Founded in 1985, USA for Africa was a temporary nongovernmental charity organization that was created in reply to Bob Geldof’s “Band Aid,” a British charity group formed to raise money and awareness for the Ethiopian famine relief through the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” (Davis 1048). Best known for their single, “We Are the World,” USA for Africa consisted of 45 American musicians, including Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Laupner, Stevie Wonder et al, who all recorded this song to “present a message of hope and unity for a country that lacked food and basic needs” (Rose 30). The recording of this song would later go on to become one of the most benevolent moments in American music culture, raising more than 50-million dollars for the Ethiopian famine relief (Rose 30). Through the unification of these influential music figures, Music Culture welcomed an entire new ideology, promoting human welfare above egotism and vanity.
In addition to music singles, broadcasting and performing live concerts became another form of retaliation against the world hunger pandemic. Shortly after the success of Band Aid and USA for Africa, Geldof proposed the idea of “Live Aid,” a global charity rock concert aimed at raising more funds and increasing awareness for famine-stricken Ethiopia and Sudan (Mullen). Featuring more than 75 acts, this 16-hour superconcert was performed live at Wembley Stadium in London and at Philadelphia’s JFk Stadium, as well as through a live television broadcast that reached more than one-billion viewers in 110 countries (Mullen). With artists such as Elton John, Queen, Madonna, Sting, the Beach Boys, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, the Who, Neil Young, Paul Mcartney and many others, Live Aid was filled with entertainment, catering to everyone who tuned in. As said by Bob Geldof in an 1986 interview about Live Aid, “There was a tremendous feeling of oneness on that stage. There had been no rivalry, no bitching, no displays of temperament all day. Now everyone was singing” (Geldof). After raising $127 million in famine relief for African nations, Geldof went on to stage a series of “Live 8″ concerts in 11 countries, featuring the performances of 1,000 musicians around the world (Mullen). Unlike Live Aid and its fundraising orientation, Geldof created Live 8 for the sole purpose of raising awareness of global poverty with the slogan “We don’t want your money, we want your voice” (Mullen). Through the efforts of these musicians, live concerts were able to successfully touch their global audience on an emotional scale, amalgamating everyone’s differences into one voice; a voice carried by compassion that spoke of change for those who were in dire need of it.
With many artists voicing their support through their music and performances, other musicians looked towards creating long-term hunger organizations in response to the global hunger pandemic. Harry Chapin and Radio DJ Bill Ayres are exemplary musicians who took this approach when they established the charity organization “WhyHunger.” Founded in 1975, WhyHunger works on the fundamental belief that “access to nutritious food is a human right and hunger is a solvable problem in a world of abundance” (WhyHunger). What began as a commitment between two musicians to changing the trajectory of the hunger crisis has expanded into a global movement of supporting social and grassroots innovations, all in hopes of creating a more efficient and evenly distributed food system. Through partnership with WhyHunger, artists such as Yoko Ono Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Earth Wind & Fire, and Michael Mcdonald have been able to raise millions of dollars to not only feed starving families and children, but to also teach community members beneficial techniques to maintaining a sustainable food production. With the support of these artists, the WhyHunger organization acts as one of the many hunger movements working to achieve a hunger free world in the near future.
Everything considered, music has this incredible ability to call forth change, whether it be through music singles, live concerts, or hunger organizations. In order to achieve a hunger free world by 2030, music can act as that emblem of unity and hope. Music culture and its response to this global hunger pandemic has helped translate the voices of many into one unified symphony. The Ethiopian hunger famine of the 1980s offers a window into the past, and from this window, music culture’s accomplishments can be studied and be re-molded into our current hunger situation. By building on the foundation of past successes, humankind’s aim to eradicate hunger will come one step closer. One step closer to Zero Hunger.
“We Are the World” by USA for Africa (1985)
In response to the 1980s Ethiopian famine, a temporary charity organization, USA for Africa, released their single “We Are the World” in hopes of raising money and awareness towards this humanitarian effort. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, the naked lyrics reveal an uncomplicated, yet striking call to action. From the opening line “There comes a time when we heed a certain call, when the world must come together as one,” the lyrics immediately capture the attention of its audience. By using the word “we,” the song brings out a more inclusive message, that in order to heal those suffering, the unification of “everyone” is a great necessity. Though this song can be perceived as something that values selflessness, there are some aspects to the lyrics that draw upon the use of selfishness as a persuading mechanism towards its audience. For example, the lines “There’s a choice we’re making/we’re saving our own lives” reflects a tinge of selfishness as it can be interpreted as “if we help them, they will help us.” And so, “we’re saving our own lives” by creating this safety net in the possibility that the situation they are facing happens to fall upon us one day. Other persuading mechanisms employed in this song include its use of metaphors and biblical references. The repeated lines from the chorus “We are the world, we are the children” compares everyone to children, creating this illusion that everyone is kind-hearted and innocent. By being kind-hearted, we shouldn’t lay back and wait for other people to take action, instead, we need to be the ones that initiate change. Looking at the biblical aspect of this song, the lines “As God has shown us by turning stone to bread” and “We are all a part of God’s great big family,” they imply the idea that since God has helped us, we (as God’s children) should do the same for each other. What makes this song so structurally great is the fact the message can be applied to any situation concerning the welfare of others. With food insecurity being one of the world’s biggest concerns, the straightforward message from this song provides an efficient solution, and that by banding together, we have the ability to eradicate world hunger.
“Is This the World We Created” By Queen (1984)
Released in 1984, the song “Is This the World We Created” was written as a tribute, raising awareness towards the global poverty and hunger crisis. Embellished by numerous rhetorical questions, the song draws upon the listener’s emotions by making it evident that there is an immense divide between the rich and the poor; the ones who have and the ones who don’t have. With the lines “Is this the world we created?/We made it on our own/Is this the world we devastated/Right to the bone?” these lyrics suggest that humans are the very reason as to why the world is in such a horrid state. Though it is humans who are at fault, it is specifically the first world countries who refuse to acknowledge those in desperate need; it is the people of the first world countries who refuse to give up their resources and their time. They are the real perpetrators, and those suffering are the victims. These lyrics, although simple, hold an incredibly powerful undertone, and forces listeners to reflect on the role they play in society. In order to lessen the disparity between the rich and poor, this song asks for people to spare a helping hand towards the helpless, the hungry, the less fortunate. As the hunger issue continues, this versatile message is still applicable in today’s world. To create a world we can be proud of takes change, and it is that change that must be prioritized in order to achieve zero hunger.
“Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)” By Bob Marley (1974)
In the song “Them Belly Full,” reggae musician Bob Marley speaks out on society and how its corrupted “system” has failed its people, leaving many in poverty and without any proper access to food. The opening lyrics “Them belly full, but we hungry/A hungry mob is an angry mob,” the simple lyrics can be interpreted as people being hungry not only for food, but for social change as well. During the time this song was recorded, Marley wanted to bring awareness to the political and economic distress the people of Africa were in. By saying “Rich and poor they start to cry/now the weak must get strong/they say, Oh, what a tribulation,” Marley is trying to encourage these “weak” people to rise up and demand justice. While this message speaks on the government’s negligence of its people during the ’70s, this message stands relevant to today’s situation as there are many reasons as to why food insecurity continues to prevail, one of those reasons being the lack of opportunities to acquire a sustainable living.
“Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band Aid (1984)
Besides the joyous splendor and cheerful atmosphere the holidays bring, one of the more notable things that signal the beginning of the holiday season is its music. While most Christmas songs center around the birth of Christ, the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas” follows a different meaning. Stimulated by the 1980’s Ethiopian Famine, singer and songwriter Bob Geldof, gathered a variety of artists to record the charity single, titling the group “Band Aid.” Despite the public criticism against the inaccurate lyrics, the message the singers were trying to convey was what made the whole song remarkable. Perhaps the most haunting, yet unique line from the track is “Well, tonight thank God it’s them instead of you.” This line creates the realization that you should be grateful you’re not the one suffering from starvation; you’re the lucky ones. Though most of the lyrics and the question “Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?” can be perceived as mockery or even racism, I believe the lyrics were not meant to be intended as literal. Instead, I believe the lyrics were just trying to put more emphasis on the situation going on in Ethiopia. Though the lyrics reflect the lack of research done on the topic, the overall intent of the song seems to be overlooked by many. It’s important to remind people that the sole purpose of this song was to raise money and awareness for those dying and starving. Putting the controversy aside, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” implores people to think about those who are suffering. It reminds people that Christmas is about giving and being kind. People can help fulfill these values by helping those who are not as fortunate.
Music has this incredible ability to unify people and draw upon change. When it comes to fighting world hunger, music creates a voice for those who cannot speak. Not only does music offer a reflection on the past, but it also offers guidance towards a better future. The 1970s-1980s acts as a great example of music’s physical impact. This was an era where human kindness triumphed, in which the world came together and advocated for change to help poverty stricken countries. Music culture and its response to this global hunger pandemic, whether it be through music singles or live performances, has helped artists from all over embed their emotions and feelings into one language, a language in which everyone can understand. It is that same language that has the ability to advocate for change in such static times. It is that very language that can help achieve a hunger free world by 2030.
The world is on fire, burning with the lack of sympathy and generosity for our fellow members of the human race. We laugh, we sing, and we dance together, yet when one of us falls to the ground, so few help and so many stand still. The world is riddled with suffering and hunger. Why do so many people refuse to acknowledge this? Looking back at the Ethiopian famine of the 1980s, I find it incredible that the solution to this problem was music. Humans helping humans is truly a beautiful thing. What stayed with me about this humanitarian movement was the fact that it took only a few voices to unify millions of people together. It was the fact that these artists saw a growing problem happening, and instead of ignoring it, they took charge. They poured their souls and emotions into their songs and performances, hoping that their message would speak to the hearts of those who “have” and were willing to give. And it worked. Money was raised and awareness was brought. End of story. However, it’s not the end as food insecurity still remains one of the biggest issues seen affecting individuals around the world. So how can we tackle this problem and achieve a hunger-free world by 2030? The answer, yet again, is through music. Music is the perfect medium for increasing exposure concerning this issue. And with social media consuming most of people’s attention, spreading awareness can be even more effective. By building on the foundation of humanity’s past successes and aiming for a more long-term solution, eradicating hunger no longer seems impossible. All we need is your voice. Your voice will help put out the fires of this world and bring us one step closer to a hungry free world.
Infographic Sources
- Photo from Borgen Magazine: https://images.app.goo.gl/CaykLk6T3Nj1ae9r7
- The 2018 Youth Climate Strike. Photo by: Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images: https://images.app.goo.gl/Gr2gAWEqb1fgzvDu7
- Photo by DAILY SABAH WITH DPA: https://images.app.goo.gl/AHoqZvYWDwW9H6D56
- Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images: https://images.app.goo.gl/jMVvk3NZbNzwmr3U8
- Photo by Jess Bailey Designs from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/apple-earpods-983831/
- Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/earth-blue-banner-sign-3039036/
Works Cited
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- Geldof, Bob. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” Genius, 2014, genius.com/Band-aid-do-they-know-its-christmas-lyrics. Accessed 7 Apr. 2024.
- Geldof, Bob. “Remember This Day.” Globe & Mail, 6 Sept. 1986, p. C9. Gale In Context: Biography, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A165389460/BIC?u=mcc_chandler&sid=bookmark-BIC&xid=03d196b4. Accessed 10 Mar. 2024.
- “Goal 2: Zero Hunger.” The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023. United Nations, 19 Oct. 2023, www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/hunger/. Accessed 10 Mar. 2024.
- “History.” WhyHunger, 31 Jan. 2018, whyhunger.org/who-we-are/history/. Accessed 10 March 2024.
- Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson. “USA for Africa — We Are the World.” Genius, genius.com/Usa-for-africa-we-are-the-world-lyrics. Accessed 7 Apr. 2024.
- Marley, Bob. “Bob Marley & the Wailers — Them Belly Full (but We Hungry).” Genius, genius.com/Bob-marley-and-the-wailers-them-belly-full-but-we-hungry-lyrics. Accessed 7 Apr. 2024.
- May, Brian and Freddie Mercury. “Is This the World We Created…?” Genius, genius.com/Queen-is-this-the-world-we-created-lyrics. Accessed 7 Apr. 2024.
- Mullen, Matt. “Live Aid Concert Raises $127 Million for Famine Relief in Africa.” History, 24 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/live-aid-concert. Accessed 10 Mar. 2024.
- Reid, Kathryn. “1980s Ethiopia Famine: Facts, What’s Changed, How to Help.” World Vision, 14 Dec. 2023, www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/1980s-ethiopia-famine-facts Accessed 10 Mar. 2024.
- “We Are the World.” American Decades Primary Sources, edited by Cynthia Rose, vol. 9: 1980–1989, Gale, 2004, pp. 30–31. Gale eBooks, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3490201644/GVRL?u=mcc_chandler&sid=bookmark-GVRL&xid=c1da2776. Accessed 10 Mar. 2024.
