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One Direction have revealed how they were mistaken for Westlife by locals in Africa after a recent Ghana visit for Comic Relief.
The boyband travelled to Africa as part of the 2013 Comic Relief effort, visiting deprived areas of the country to raise awareness of the poverty experienced by certain parts of the country.
However, while many locals may face many hardships, it appears they have at least escaped the 1D phenomenon.
"In the slum there were these lads that we were playing football with. They turned around to us and were like, 'Ah, Westlife, Westlife!' So, Westlife are bigger than us over there," says Liam Payne of the boyband in an interview with The Daily Mirror. "That's something we've gotta achieve..."
The boyband have covered Blondie's 'One Way Or Another' for Comic Relief, and are encouraging people to 'change lives' by downloading the track.
"By buying the song, together we'll change people's lives. What an amazing thing to do. Buy music that you like and change lives," says Louis Tomlinson.
The boyband discuss their Comic Relief single on Daybreak
The boyband's visit to Africa has previously caused anger among local celebrities and campaigners, claiming One Direction painted a very one-sided image of Ghana with their discussion of poverty in the country.
Actress Ama K Abebrese addressed group member Niall Horan directly on Twitter, writing: @NiallOfficial n @onedirection Your tweets about the slums and poverty of Accra, Ghana was very touching…….however … Next time, also tweet about the luxury hotel and VIP treatment and beauty of the country you enjoyed."
"I understand its for charity, but this highly negative image of sub Saharan African countries like Ghana, that you choose to focus on without balance for the so many positive aspects to your millions of ff... serve mostly to reinforce negative stereotypes. I have donated to @rednoseday and it does good work…I live in the beautiful city of Accra, Ghana, and there is so much more to it than slums and poverty."
@NiallOfficial n @onedirection …. so next time, please be #Balanced#ComeBetter There is more to Ghana, so much more."
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