14 DAY TRIAL // Lionel Richie decided that the recent disaster in Haiti, caused by the earthquake, was the perfect opportunity for a remake of his and Michael Jackson’s 1985 hit “We Are the World,” where all the proceeds would go to charity. Having called on over 100 artists, both from music and film, Richie set out to record the remake, a video of which has just premiered, as you can see here.
The 7+-minute video also comes with an intro from singer and actor Jamie Foxx, who speaks in brief about the motivation behind making this video and single. This is not just something for show, as a real tragedy has occurred in Haiti and the people there need, now more than ever, whatever help they can get. Whether donations in money or in clothes, any little help is duly appreciated, the singer says before the video starts.
As MTV can also confirm, Michael Jackson, the late King of Pop, is also part of the track and the video. Not only is he there because he co-wrote the song and was also part of it when it was first released, in 1985, but also because he was always involved with all kinds of charity organizations and initiatives. As Lionel Richie himself puts it, Michael Jackson simply had to be in it.
“‘He had to be there,’ Richie told the talk-show host. ‘If you’re not gonna be there for the production, you still gotta be a part of it.’ Jackson’s vocals will lead the new all-star cast through the famous refrain on the song’s chorus, Richie said. And in the Paul Haggis-directed clip, archive footage of MJ singing from the original shoot will appear alongside his sister Janet Jackson in the new video. ‘We have Michael singing that exact part [the chorus] and Janet singing along with him,’ Richie said, describing the moment as ‘emotional’.” MTV writes, citing Richie, the mastermind behind this extraordinary initiative.
What this remake brings new to the table as compared to the 1985 original is a brief segment where the industry’s biggest rappers make their own contribution. Lil Wayne, will.i.am and Kanye West all chip in what is the first initiative of the kind to put together in the same room over 100 artists. Below is the official video for the “We Are the World” remake. Enjoy.