"Hjálpum þeim" (English: "Let’s help them") is a prominent Icelandic charity song first released in 1985. Modeled after contemporary international charity projects such as Band Aid’s "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" and USA for Africa’s "We Are the World," the song was produced to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
The song was composed by Gunnar Þórðarson with lyrics written by Jóhann G. Jóhannsson. It featured a collective of Iceland's most popular musicians and vocalists of the era, performing under the name "Hjálpum þeim." The project was organized in collaboration with the Icelandic Red Cross (Rauði kross Íslands).
In 2005, the song was re-recorded by a new generation of Icelandic artists to raise money for victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. This version featured contemporary stars and aimed to replicate the humanitarian success of the original release.
The song remains a significant cultural touchstone in Iceland, often cited as the most recognizable charity single in the country's history. It is frequently played during humanitarian appeals and has been covered by various artists in different contexts.
Technical Details
- Original Release Year: 1985
- Composer: Gunnar Þórðarson
- Lyricist: Jóhann G. Jóhannsson
- Language: Icelandic
- Genre: Pop / Charity Single