A new Netflix documentary is taking a closer look at one of pop’s most iconic collaborations, “We Are the World.” In 2010, a Spanish version of the song called “Somos El Mundo” was released, featuring the biggest Latine and Spanish acts. Among the all-star group of artists was Shakira, Luis Miguel, Jenni Rivera, Daddy Yankee, Ricky Martin, Juan Luis Guerra, and many others.
In 1985, many top pop stars of the time came together to support famine relief efforts in Ethiopia through music. Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote “We Are the World,” featuring them along with other icons like Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder. The only Latine person to participate on that song was Sheila E. The story behind that colossal collaboration is being told in the Netflix documentary The Greatest Night in Pop.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of “We Are the World,” Emilio and Gloria Estefan and Quincy Jones concocted a Spanish version of the song in 2010 to support the Haiti relief efforts. Jackson and Richie were credited on “Somos El Mundo” with the Estefans and Daddy Yankee, who dropped a rap verse on the song. A majority of the supergroup came from Mexico, including Thalia, Paulina Rubio, Paquita La Del Barrio, Luis Miguel, Vicente Fernández, Carlos Santana, and RBD member Christian Chávez. Colombian icons Shakira and Juanes also sang in the track. The artists from Puerto Rico included José Feliciano, Ricky Martin, Chayanne, Tito El Bambino, and Kany García.
Many U.S.-born Latines were also invited to sing on “Somos El Mundo,” like Jenni Rivera, Romeo Santos, David Archuleta, Nicky Jam, Pitbull, and the Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo. Belinda and Enrique Iglesias were among the artists who represented Spain in the song. Following the release of “We Are the World” in 1985, many other Latine legends actually came together later that year to record the charity song “Cantaré, Cantarás.”
Check out the “Somos El Mundo” video below.