Idris Elba to host star-studded virtual Africa fundraiser concert

LUTHER STAR Idris Elba will host a virtual benefit concert to mark today’s Africa Day celebrations (May 25) and raise funds to help the continent tackle the spread of COVID-19.

The Africa Day Benefit Concert At Home will host some of the continent’s biggest stars including Burna Boy, Sho Madjozi, Tiwa Savage, AKA, Diamond Platnumz, Nasty C, Sauti Sol, Yemi Alade, Fally Ipupa, StoneBwoy, Teni, and Angelique Kidjo.

ViacomCBS Networks Africa and YouTube will hold the show in partnership with Elba.

Streamed

The two-hour concert will be streamed and broadcast to millions of viewers in Africa and around the world on MTV channels and on the MTV Base Africa YouTube channel.

It will also be made available after Africa Day to continue encouragement for organisations and individuals to contribute towards fundraising through the World Food Programme and UNICEF campaign website.

According to the organisers, the event will raise money for children and families in Africa who have been affected by the pandemic.

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.
Idris Elba

Disruption

The CVOID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of thousands of people on the continent, disrupted economic activity, and increased the threat to food and health security.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the pandemic has reached a milestone in Africa, with more than 100 000 confirmed cases confirmed.

PERFORMANCE: Tiwa Savage is one of the stars who will be appearing in the *Africa Day Benefit Concert At Home*

The virus has now spread to every country in the continent since the first case was confirmed in the region 14 weeks ago.

Shining a light

Elba, who as well as being a leading actor is also a DJ said: “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.”

The managing director of Emerging Markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa at YouTube, Alex Okosi, 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. We are honoured to support this great initiative.”

Livelihoods affected

Senior vice president for ViacomCBS Networks Africa Monde Twala said: “COVID-19 has affected the livelihoods of millions across the continent and is going to require a massive collaborative effort if we are to make it through. We are coming together as Africans to take care of our own.”

Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) on May 25, 1963, in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as celebrating the progress that Africa has made in combating armed conflict, climate change and poverty.