Bono and U2’s names are intrinsically linked to the ongoing fight against poverty and AIDS on the African continent. In recognition, Shout Factory released “In the name of love: Africa Celebrates” yesterday, a celebratory homage to U2 by some of Africa’s most gifted musicians.

It started off as a tribute to the Irish rock band, but the record quickly became a tour de force from an array of African talents, each succeeding in making the songs their own.

For producers Shawn Amos and Paul Heck - producer of the Red Hot - that task turned out to be easier than expected. “I was amazed when we approached the artists of how quickly they chose the songs they wanted to do,” says Heck. “Many of them grew up listening to U2 and knew the songs so well.”

Angelique Kidjo opens the album with a multilingual and inspiring cover of “Mysterious Ways.” Then Mali’s rising star, Vieux Farka Toure, delivers a bluesy version of “Bullet in the sky.” In Ba Cissoko’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” electric guitar riffs are replaced by the harmonious sound of the kora. Les Nubians turn the classic track “With or without you” into an authentic dance floor jam and Keziah Jones gives his Black Orpheus touch to “One.” The Soweto Gospel Choir interpretation of “Pride (In The Name of Love)” is simply breathtaking!

The album is an eclectic fusion of traditional African styles, rock, pop, hip-hop and so much more and an exquisite mélange of both U2’s popular hits and a set of more obscure materials.
In effort to give back to the community, Shout Factory has decided to offer a portion of the record’s profit to the Global Fund.