ETHIOPIA’S famine of the 1980s killed thousands of people in that country and sparked global outreach initiatives like the Live Aid concert and the song We Are The World. Though not as high-profile, Let’s Make Africa Green Again, a 1984 song by British Reggae Artists Famine Appeal (BRAFA), is finally getting overdue recognition.

It has been announced that a section of Shoreditch Park — where a 1985 reggae show to raise funds for Ethiopia’s suffering took place — will be renamed BRAFA Square.

BRAFA’s impact was rediscovered two years ago during activities for the Shoreditch Park Improvement Project. The Hackney Council’s campaign to name its new square was put to the public, which chose BRAFA.

“This story is a testament to Hackney’s long, but often sadly, now-hidden history of activism, creativity and working together for equality and anti-racism. By uncovering and celebrating the story of BRAFA, we’re demonstrating yet another valuable contribution from Hackney’s African and Caribbean community. I look forward to opening the square in summer and hope to hear many more memories of this incredible and empowering event,” read a statement from Hackney mayor Phillip Glanville.

Leon Leiffer, a Jamaican musician, spearheaded the song and concert with colleagues Courtney Carr, Ras Elroy Bailey, Tony Douglas, Raymond Dangarembizi, Jah Bunny, Ken Kendricks, and Gene Rondo. He is equally pleased with the gesture.

“As a young boy leaving the Caribbean and coming to England I would never envision something like this. Now, 35 years later, the name BRAFA is coming back alive and will be there for the rest of time, in history, in Hackney. It’s more than winning the lottery; it’s a mega honour for myself, the people who coordinated, and for each and every musician and singer that took part for the good and great reason of helping the famine in Ethiopia. I’m proud that Hackney has taken it upon themselves to recognise this name is worthy of making history,” he said.

Let’s Make Africa Green Again was recorded at Hive Studios, a facility owned by singer Eddy Grant in Stoke Newington. Written by Leiffer’s now wife Fay Addison, it featured multiple artistes including his group The Blackstones, Dennis Brown, Aswad, Janet Kay, Winston Reedy, The Pioneers, Ken Parker, and B B Seaton.

Distributed by Island Records, funds from Let’s Make Africa Green Again and the Shoreditch Park event were donated to Save The Children Ethiopian Famine Appeal.

Leiffer, who was born in St Ann, has lived in the UK since the early 1960s. He is the only original member of The Blackstones which formed in 1974.