Wednesday 3 December 2014

Band Aid 30: Noël est là.

France's version of the Band Aid 30 song has emerged, with a cast of celebrities performing the track Noël est là.

The cast includes Jean-Louis Aubert, Louis Bertignac, Benjamin Biolay, Thomas Dutronc, Yannick Noah, Vanessa Paradis, Nicola Sirkis and Zaz.

Bob Geldof, the instigator of the original Band Aid song 30 years ago also makes an appearance. Geldof brought about the creation of the French version by asking Carla Bruni to organise it.

For many, of course, the highlight will be the brief re-appearance of Renaud. He remains one of France's best loved singer songwriters, and ill health in recent hears hasn't diminished his profile on account of the two recent chart-topping tribute CDs.

The song has, like its UK equivalent, been released to raise finds for the fight against Ebola.
The UK release sparked debate about whether a benefit single is the best way to do this, as well as serious  discussion about how the west looks at Africa. Other questions have been asked about the appropriateness of the lyrics.

Some things are certain though, and that is that the releases have raised the profile of the crisis in West Africa, and that money has been raised to help those fighting it.

 No one can deny that has been worthwhile.

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