It is hard to imagine that in a continent so devastated by famine, disease and war, more than 38% of the budget of most countries are devoted to debt servicing.  This is true of many countries in the developing world. I n august of 2003, World Village released Drop the Debt, featuring original music by Capes Verdes Evora. Brazil’s Chico Cesar, Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi and Cameron’s Sally Nyolo and more. Its purpose is to raise awareness and funds for an international effort to cancel world debt. Producer Francois Mauger says, “They all agreed to be on the CD immediately, because they all feel directly concerned with debt issue.” But where did this debt come from? Most of it comes from loans given to illegitimate governments during the 60s and 70s. This is not the first time that musicians have come together for a cause think of the huge success of the single “do they know its Christmas time?” in which everyone from Michael Jackson to Paul McCarthy joined forces against famine in Ethiopia. This collective album comes right on the heels of 2002 highly successful Red Hot + Riot album dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa.  The 16 tracks on the CD are original compositions; the remaining tracks are original versions of existing material.  Unlike many other compilations out today, this is a completely unique project.  At this point the cancellation of the burden is strictly a political choice; precedent has already been set by the World Bank for countries such as Cuba and Germany and Costa Rica. In some small way it is hoped that this album will help keep the pressure on various countries that can make the decision. So go out and support the project, not only are there some great tracks on it, but it is just a good thing to do.

-- Caj