U2 Perform With Rapper K'naan to Call Attention to Somalia Famine

Somalia-born Canadian-based hip-hop artist K'naan went to Minneapolis to speak with Bono but ended up onstage with U2 the evening of July 23 at TCF Bank Stadium.

As reported on atu2.com, the rapper performed the Ben. E. King classic 'Stand by Me' with the Irish rockers. "Hold it right there, OK, I want to introduce you to a very special spirit, a wise man, showing great leadership on behalf of his country, Somalia," Bono said while introducing K'naan.

"Get used to his name because you're going to hear it a lot."

From there, Bono and K'naan performed the classic number before raising hands in the air and embracing.

"Just got off stage with U2," the rapper wrote afterwards via Twitter. "What an honor to be introduced by Bono in such a humbling way. Look out for new music soon #Somalia."

According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, K'naan and other members of Somali-based organizations met with Bono to discuss the famine in the African nation and how Bono's ONE anti-poverty charity can assist with relief efforts. K'naan -- who called Minneapolis home for a short time, a city which has one of the largest Somali populations outside of the African country itself -- joined others in speaking out against the serious problems facing the nation.

"I'm really pissed we're back at emergency level again," Bono said. "This should not be happening in this day and age."

In another tweet, K'naan made a poetic correlation between the famine in Africa and the untimely death of singer Amy Winehouse, whose body was discovered July 23. "Famine in the belly. Famine in the Soul. Both have killed the innocent today #Somalia #AmyWinehouse."

U2 have less than one week before bringing their 360 world tour full circle. The group wraps things up with a show in Moncton, New Brunswick July 30.

Watch U2 Perform With K'naan