Hollywood leading man Idris Elba is set to host a virtually produced Africa Day benefit concert to air on television and across the world next Monday.
The “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” actor, who recently recovered from Covid-19 after testing positive in March, will headline The Africa Day Benefit Concert At Home.The event aims to raise awareness in support of health and food needs of children and families in Africa who have been affected by the pandemic.
The star-studded line-up of musicians that has been curated for the benefit concert features South African artistes Sho Madjozi, AKA and Nasty C. Nigerian music stars Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade and Teni will also perform.
Legendary Grammy-winning singer Angelique Kidjo, StoneBwoy from Ghana, Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz, Congolese star Fally Ipupa and Kenyan Afro-pop group Sauti Sol complete the line-up.
“Taking a moment to shine a light on African arts to benefit the African homeland and its people. A continent of this size should find a way to dig deep and stand up for one another at a time like this. It’s important for the future and history will not forget,” Elba said.
“Music is a powerful tool that connects Africans and this Africa Day concert is a great way to bring people together and support a great cause,” said Alex Okosi, managing director of Emerging Markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa at YouTube.
Africa Day is a celebration of the successes of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU now the AU) from its creation on May 25, 1963, in the fight against colonialism.
Different countries in Africa, as well as around the world celebrate the day annually.
The concert will stream on the MTV Base Africa YouTube channel on Monday and air on the channel the same day.
