Ed. Note: We received close to 200 questions and comments from readers following Bono’s six-nation African tour in our blog. Many thanked the Irish rock star and activist for his aid efforts in Africa, others were skeptical about the effectiveness of relief programs. The questions from Bono’s critics and fans crossed a wide range. You can read all of the comments here. Reuters correspondent Lesley Wroughton, who is traveling with Bono, got answers to a few of the questions as they flew from Tanzania to Nigeria on Sunday.
Here’s what Bono said:
Why does it take a celebrity like Bono to get the West engaged in Africa?
Celebrity is a big subject to try and get through in a short blog. I’ve always thought it ridiculous and very silly but it is currency and I use my hard currency to have access and influence for people who can’t be present in those rooms, those meetings.
We may have fancy shoes, or in my case flip-flops, and we may be the worst examples of the excesses of the West but in these meetings we represent the poor and take that job very seriously. I try to use my celebrity as a loudhailer for those who have lost their voice.
Multinational corporations have enormous purchasing power. Why can’t they buy from African suppliers?
Doing business is sexy. Trade is sexy. Aid is not sexy if you’re an African. Africans don’t want aid but they need aid. What they really want and what their heart desires and what they truly deserve is trade as a way out of their present circumstances; to do business and the dignity of doing business together on an even playing field.
So, the thing I will come away with at the end of this trip, apart from some of the more tragic moments that are hard to forget, is this rather intoxicating ‘can do’ attitude that we’ve just discovered in this new Africa, like the A to Z textile company we visited that makes bed nets and polo shirts for its next door neighbor. There are new burgeoning African businesses about to break through if we give them the right breaks.
How do you choose the countries you visit and why don’t you focus on war-ravaged countries?
If we are really honest, we need in the next 10 years success stories. We need three or four in the next five years and 10 in the next 10 years. If we don’t have them we will lose all momentum… This trip is about trying to find countries that might prosper and become new models for other African countries, which will hopefully come out of their conflict.
Im the biggest disaster groupie of them all, but this trip is about finding out what Africa is doing to transform itself.
How do we know that aid is going to the people who need it?
Much work is being done to fight corruption both from the African civil societies’ point of view and from the donor communities. The Nigerian finance minister is a hero in the fight against corruption. She has a model called the Virtual Poverty Fund as an example of where money is freed up in debt cancellation and can be monitored as (it) journeys through the economy. In Uganda, they have this Poverty Action Fund.
Transparency is the key word for any new increases in aid and no one wants to see redecorating of palaces when a country is starving at the side of the road.
What song is going through your head?
I have a radio on in my head most of the time and I was smiling to myself about the fact that a lot of the songs on the radio Ive never heard before, which is to say Im making them up. I suppose that is what I do. Im a songwriter.
Sometimes I have a song in my head from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, I have a song in my head from Massive Attack called Protection, I have a whole album in my head from Arcade Fire. In fact, their songs are starting to haunt me. They were on the road so I actually cant get them out of my head but they are very inspiring songs. Im lucky to have that particular virus.
But a lot of the time they are songs I havent heard before and Im sort of tuning in listening. Sometimes I find myself humming a melody into my phone. I call melodies into the phone or write the words down into a notebook.
I had a great one the other day called Love is All we Have Left. Its like an old Broadway tune. I thought it was a Frank Sinatra song.
Trackback
29 comments so far
Is Bono’s celebrity something far reaching into incredibly isolated and impoverished areas? Do the people he’s rallying for know who he is? Did they learn about him through his efforts? Or, does he serve as the rallying cry for us in the West, the UN, and thus people in leadership in African companies?
- Posted by Gretchen CroweI shouldn’t be surprised or disappointed after i posted in his official fanclub this opportunity that chances of actually have questions considered for Bono was up there with a winning lottery ticket. but he’s a busy man on a busy job, and i’m proud of that. i am delighted i got a personal response today from my Senator Patty Murray regarding Uganda and the children being abducted by the Lord’s Republican Army. Guess that’s the response that really matters. But many are glad to hear there are new songs on the phonograph in him mind.
- Posted by Sammi Fredenburgstay close. thanx for the q’s you did ask.
sammi fredenburg
Bono, I really want to let you know how grateful I am that you have focused the world’s attention on this trip toward the SUCCESSES that Africa is having due to debt cancellation, increased money going into AIDS programs and fairer trade with richer nations.
You have always described the “journey of equality” as an adventure and Africa as a royal, noble place.
I have known this Truth for many years but not everyone is as fortunate as I am. (smile)
It has taken YOU, dear man, to show many people in richer nations that Africa is a positive place - full of Life, Love and Light.
KEEP IT UP, BONO - you are doing magnificent things for Africa’s Future and I will always be here to let you know that.
Enjoy the rest of your time in Africa. I know that you will do your best to make as many people smile as possible.
ALWAYS ONE, debbie
- Posted by Debbie KU2 and Bono are doing good.
i saw them in l. A. CA. , frm hndcppd sec. stage lft. early 2005
it was closest to church-like reverence i’ve Seen in 38 yrs,
plenty waved arms in air to feel a positive message.
this is more of that same positive exppression the audience wanted. i wilL buy ‘RED’ or Edun when i share gifts. We can help africa an s.america with purchase choices. in a freak fall i lost feel of my arms and legs except i can bend elbows an feel normal above but now have currency in settlmnt. i remain a quad. since 2000, at 39, i study what is in OUR world, my currency, and fight against wrong. pain.
Bless Bono and how he spends his ‘celebratory’ currency.
YOU GO, BONO
thnks for grt reporting.
- Posted by nick olsenDo you believe in destiny, fate?
- Posted by KakazaayHow much does Bono make from selling his derivative pop nonsense?
Surely most of that money could eradicate world poverty in a single stroke?
- Posted by Tom Servo“How much does Bono make from selling his derivative pop nonsense?
Surely most of that money could eradicate world poverty in a single stroke?”
You’ve got to be kidding.
- Posted by Alicia NavarreteWhy not get to the heart of the issue “birth control”! When a country doesn’t have the resources to support it’s population seems that should be number one priority.
- Posted by BoniceBono:
Given that large segments of Africa’s populations are Muslim, have you reached out to Muslim organizations committed to Africa’s development? I know Humanity First, International — a worldwide non-profit humanitarian organization — has been very active in providing humanitarian aid to Muslim populations, and in West Africa in particular. See: http://www.humanityfirst.org.
As a Muslim and life-long fan of your innumerable causes, I commend you for acknowleding Islam’s deep committment to equality and welfare (as an example, you recently quoted a telling passage from the Qur’an concerning equality during the National Prayer Breakfast at the White House).
I hope and pray that Muslims play an integral role in Africa’s future development. I believe they can, and I believe you have the foresight and tenacity to make that happen in a big way. Africa deserves it.
God bless,
-Amjad
“Where you live should not decide whether you live or whether you die.”
- Posted by Amjad M. KhanBono.
YOU were wrong! Let me justify that comment. You once sang, “I can’t change the world, But I can change the world in me”. YOU were wrong. By changing the world in you, by caring and sharing what you learn with your band and with your fans, you have indeed helped change the world for the better.
You and U2 are more than entertainment. You have lead by example. You have heart and soul and have shown that it IS sexy, it IS cool to wear that heart and soul on your sleeve. It is not merely there as a badge but as a declaration that you are “wide awake, and not sleeping”. You see us, you see the world. You not only care, you DO. There has always been action and follow-thru with your words. And that is why those of us that think and care admire you work as a musician, speaker for social justice, dreamer of grand ideas, doer of grand deeds… and just plain damn good human being.
Cheers. Next Guinness is on me!
- Posted by Jeff BallJust gotta say to you Jeff Ball: ditto.
Love and blessings to Bono, don’t let the bastards grind you down. One day they’ll see what you see.
- Posted by Maarit OlkkolaTom Servo says:
May 23rd, 2006 at 9:46 am GMT
How much does Bono make from selling his derivative pop nonsense?
Surely most of that money could eradicate world poverty in a single stroke?
THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is a good example of people not paying attention! It angers me to no end that Bono and others who have success and money attached to them get criticized for all they do. Would it be better if he were poor and had no voice? or would it be better if he were rich and did nothing to point out the extreme inequalities we all choose to change the channel on? He’s representing the voiceless. and let it be knows that he does give money and his band too, the difference here is that they don;t make it public, for then, it would lose its purpose. Wake up and realize what and who this man represnts! he and I are not at naive as u may think! God Bless Bono and the truth!
- Posted by Boukewe all admire you greatly and we thankyou for your efforts on behalf of us all. you’re so inspiring, we want to help too, we don’t want you to have to do this all alone. The pictures of the african people are beautiful. they deseve our consideration.You seem to be the only voice of reason,where is everyone else?God bless you and give us the stength to get off our arses and help.
- Posted by mary beth narkawiczFrom the news coverage I’ve seen Bono looks like he’s in good spirits despite the poverty around him. I’m not fooled though, if righteousness strikes from the bottom of his flip flops to the top of his brain, I know he will indeed open his phone book, call a few world leaders he’s met, and let them know what a crap job they are doing with respects to Africa and the aid required to save its people, its governments, and its earth from further ruin. He may not call long distance at all and save it for an office person-to-person. Either way, they’re going to get the message. For this, I applaud Bono. We know truth, Africa’s truth, all truth, and it doesn’t feel odd for many of us that it takes a man with a passion far greater than that of any of today’s politician’s to give the world a sense of Africa’s fundamental needs as well as its joy. We act as one to define Africa’s truth for all and ultimately we will have done something extraordinary to help Africa fulfill its beauty for all. God bless. No questions. Only solutions.
- Posted by Gregg SandahlHi, Bono. I want to congratulate you for your great work and I am sure that with the years your legacy will be reminded forever.
From Chile I will continue helping bias of ONE, DATA, RED and KEEP A CHILD ALIVE
The force is with you!!!
My question is:
Which is the impression that have the Africans of the occidental world?
http://www.thebestofu2.cl
- Posted by Cristian Corralcristcorral@u2.com
God Bless You
Hello Bono !!
I´m Denise from argentina, i`m 14 years old !! The concert of Argentina was really very very good !! U2
is the best band !! IN ONe Step Closer I already ask to you but but here i don´t ask you,here I am going to say the great person you are!! I love you !! you help the world and you help the person like me !! NOw i´m a great person and before I was person that did not concern anything to him of the world !!
“ALL BECAUSE OF YOU I AM!!” thank you for change the world. Thank you for all you make for the world. Thank you for make a band like U2 !! Please never never they separate, for ever sing and return to Argentina, we miss you !! Bono I love you, you are my idol never change please !!
Youre little fan…
Denise!!
I`m so sorry for my but english…
“you are the sweetest Thing”
Bye Bye !!
- Posted by DeniseBono. Please go away. I am sick of seeing you and hearing you.
My question is, how does it feel to hawk corporate products along with world peace, to promtoe albums and tours?
http://www.eliminatebono.com
- Posted by anti bonoBono,
If more people like you would get involved in humanartarin causes, hunger,aids,deadly deaseses(can’t spell)would all be wiped out.
Your right, If we only did what Christ told us to do, like you do, it wouldn’t matter where we lived nobody wuld have to be poor even in the richest countries.
Keep doing what you’re doing,because you are leading by example, and that example is Christ.
God Bless,and Love,
- Posted by didRobyon KorolRobyn
I just love it how when somebody takes a stand for whats right like Bono, bastards Like ‘anti-bono’ feel the necessity to stand up against those with enough balls to fight the system.
Bono is nothing less than the greatest man of the 21st Century, can you name anyone who has achieved more than a man who has bit his political lip on other things, and earned billions of dollars in world aid for those who need it desperately. I think not.
(…and he has one hell of a great voice)
- Posted by Pro-BonoBono is my greatest influence on world peace through songs that inspired people. using my songwriting skills I also done the same
which is a Gift from God.
I believe he’s using his talent and energy not to promote U2. but to promote the philosophy of One nation. One Love and Peace.
Thank You for the Influence From the Band Fortyfied.
http://www.mp3.com/fortyfied
- Posted by Marvin/Reciyr/QuagueI would like to ask Bono if he has ever been asked to help one specific person in need.I’m from Colorado Springs .I have basil cell carcinoma from the deadly rays of the sun,it is caused severe disfigurement to my forehead nose and forearm.I have the worst case of destruction from Bsail cewll carcinoma recorded medical history. Can He ralley poeple who are in the financial ability to pay for and get me the plastic surgery.I need to return my life to normal.Im a bus driver.it is threatening my employability.I can not afford anything except very basic living expenses Garrett Gustkey
- Posted by Garrett GustkeyBono,
You are an inspiration to so many of us! Thank you for your efforts, your music, your words, your light!
One quick question (hopefully you’ll see this one day): Do you or the other members of U2 feel pressured to ensure your albums are commercially successful so that you can maintain your celebrity currency, and remain effective in your humanitarian work? I ask this because I wonder whether pop stars who lose mainstream appeal can still remain effective as an activist? Just curious….
Keep shining for us all, Bono! God bless.
- Posted by Vidhya MThere is a song that was performed by Up With People in 1976 called”Give the Children Back Their Childhood”. It was written by Paul amd Ralph Colwell. This song could have an incredible inpact on people all over the world if someone like youselves would perform it. Someone needs to listen to the children and what is happening to them. I know that there are copyrights that need to be addressed. I worked with UWP for several years and have the album them produced with this song on it. I hadn’t listened to it for years until a couple of days ago. There needs to be a chidren’s ambassador that will sing this song everywhere they go to promote peace for our world’s children. I know how busy you are, but please give this some attention. I don’t know who else to contact that would bring as much attention to the plight of the children as you. Thanks for reading this!
- Posted by Laurel AgrellaDear Bono,
I’m from a small country called Lithuania. Its sad youve never been there. However last summer you was in neighboring country Poland (incredible concert). But I dont really expect you will ever come to my country.
I want to thank for your humanitarian work in Africa. If I were you I would do the same. Every day I think of African kids and I never throw away crumbs from my table. I give it to my dog (like a woman of Canaan). Also thanks for your wife Ali who cares of Greenpeace because earth needs friends (Im one of those friends too).
I have really a lot of questions for you. Like what is your favorite U2 song? Is it hard to be a celebrity? Hundreds of people are in love with you (so am I). How do you feel about it? For me it would be the hardest thing: some people who you dont even know being existed are in love with you.
For a very long time I begged for God to give me an opportunity say you something. My dream came true! You also should know that I begged Him one day to meet you. I believe that day will come. Destiny moves in mysterious ways, I believe some day we will be friends (Oh, if you knew how much we have in common)! Youll see!
God bless you and people who do you care of.
- Posted by Blue- eyed girlWhy do you want to help Hurrican Katrina and Africa? Is it for the publicity or do you really want to help?
- Posted by Kelly RightWhy do you want to help the people in africa and in Hurricane Katrina ? Do you want to help them because you have faith in the people or is it because of the attention?
- Posted by sara shoeBono
- Posted by DopeyI’m doing a report on you and U2. Can u please tell me a little bit about what you’ve been doing over the past few years? Maybe some of the humanitarian work you’ve been doing? It would mean the world to me if you gave me this information. Thank you
Let me start be saying a BIG Thank YOU! and that nothing that I am writing below pertains to you & other clean hearted humanitarians.
Is there anything you can do educate Oprah Winfrey & the rest of America that Africa is a continent & neither a small spot on the face of the world or a single country to be used as a “me too” band wagon?
While I appreciate what everyone is doing to help, it would be great to educate the American people about the co-existance of normal life (hopes, dreams, accomplisments etc..)along with poverty on this very large, multi-cultural, multi-historical (?) & beautiful continent.
By the way, does the US (the government, & the band wagon of lime-light seekers)have a hidden agenda for turning Africa into a bite size easily manipulated single entity that you can own at will, ready for use as a global trash-can into which you can toss anything unpleasant & define it as “an African” problem comparing the statistics of an entire CONTINENT to individual countries to make their misleading point?
Also please note that staistics are collected in poor countries & presented at the discretion of just about anyone, where as countries where peolple considered by the “West” as deserving of respect (e.g. middle eastern & asian counties, india & russia) are unaffected by demands for honest reporting in their staistics on communicale diseases etc..
By the way we are now moving from AIDS to rape as a problem that is going to be the next item to become synonymous with Africa (once again thanks to those who have the media at their discretion)
- Posted by Skyhey bono how many charities have you started?
- Posted by taylor de coux