And then the Eden Project in Cornwall came up with their own event under the Live 8 umbrella but with very different criteria to Bob for inviting artists. Africa Calling was organized in collaboration with WOMAD and Peter Gabriel, and Youssou N’Dour. It was seen as an opportunity to gather the big names from the African continent together and to highlight the issues of global poverty and the impending G8 summit from a different point of view.

This time is wasn’t the West and Pink Floyd talking about people and life and death situations very far away, but Africans themselves and world famous musicians at that. The line up was more than impressive, including Youssou N’Dour of course, Angelique Kidjo, Emmanuel Jal, Daara J, Thomas Mapfumo and Kanda Bongo Man to name a few.

The event lacked the mainstream media attention that the other Live 8 concerts attracted. Angelique Kidjo stressed the point: “This is an opportunity for the media to realise that when it comes to Africa, we need to be a part of it. You couldn’t help us without us.”

But despite a lack of enthusiasm from many, the organizers had to field 40,000 ticket applications when they only had capacity for 5,000. It was a unique day, perhaps the first time that the royalty of contemporary African music were gathered at one venue, all there to campaign for change.

A CD has been released of the day’s highlights — live performances that include tracks not previously released. Donations will be made from profits to charities nominated by the participating artists - which makes a pleasant change.

Track listing:
1. Youssou N’Dour & Le Super Etoile de Dakar - Set
2. Shikisha - Beyeza
3. Angeliqe Kidjo - Agolo
4. Mariza - Barco Negro
5. Akim el Sikameya - Louanges
6. Tinariwen - Amassakoul
7. Modou Diouf & O Fogum - Lumbul
8. Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited - Kuvarira Mukati
9. Geoffrey Oryema - Lapwony
10. Siyaya - Mbani
11. Maryam Mursal - Lei Lei
12. Kanda Bongo Man - Billi
13. Emmanuel Jal - Gua
14. Coco Mbassi - Na Menguele
15. Chartwell Dutiro - Changamire
16. Ayub Ogada & Uno - Lori Swela
17. Daara J - Exodus
18. Youssou N’Dour & Les Super Etoile de Dakar

For info and photos from the day go to: www.live8.edenbookings.com

Live 8 at Eden: Africa Calling is released by RealWorld