TEASER: Ethiopian famine prompts Live Aid concerts (1984-1985)

Sleep With History

Enjoy this brief teaser from our latest podcast episode. To listen the full version ad-free as well as get access to many more episodes and shows, get your free trial of Whisper Premium today: www.whisper.fm

---------------------------------

We recount the story of the historic Live Aid concerts of 1984 to 1985, a poignant moment in global history where popular music was harnessed to manifest an extraordinary humanitarian response. The tale unfolds in the backdrop of 1980s Ethiopia, marked by political upheaval and the devastating famine. This human crisis was broadcasted to the world, triggering an international outcry and leading to one of the most iconic global fundraising events ever - Live Aid. We delve into how this crisis instigated an unorthodox group, particularly musicians and entertainers, to become agents of change, using a global media music platform to rally for the cause. An inspiring example of human empathy, critics question whether the event also inadvertently fostered tropes of Africa in continual despair and oversimplified the intricacies of the prolonged crisis. Join us as we explore this multilayered narration that explores the intersection of pop culture, global empathy, and war against a national crisis.