Peter Gabriel's Real World Records -- distributed in the U.S. by Milwaukee-based Narada Records -- has teamed up with the Mercury Phoenix Trust to release "Spirit of Africa" and raise awareness in the fight against AIDS. The music comes from 11 African nations and features songs of resilience and optimism.
The Mercury Phoenix Trust was established in 1992 by the surviving members of Queen and their manager in memory of the band's lead singer, Freddie Mercury, who died in 1991 following a struggle with AIDS. It has donated millions worldwide to the fight against the disease.
Currently the total number of Africans living with HIV or AIDS is 25.3 million. In some countries at least 15% of adults are infected. It will claim the lives of around a third of today's 15 year-olds in Africa. Last year, 2.4 million Africans died of HIV-related causes, an increase from the previous year. Africa is home to nearly 70% of adults and 80% of children living with HIV in the world.
"Spirit of Africa" features artists like Papa Wmba Youssou N'Dour, Hamid Baroudi, The Drummers of Burundi and others and is available for purchase at record stores everywhere.
Last year, Narada released "Mantra Mix," a CD benefiting Tibetan refugees and featuring music from REM, David Byrne, Travis, Blur, Natalie Merchant, Madonna, Moby and others.
For additional information visit www.spiritofafrica.org.
