This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
On May 16, 2020, Idris Elba announced a home concert to celebrate Africa Day and raise funds for Covid-19 relief, featuring a star-studded lineup of African artists.
The concert, which aims to promote African unity and raise funds for the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic, will feature performances by Sho, AKA, Diamond Platnumz, Fally Ipupa, Sauti Sol, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, and Tiwa Savage.
However, not everyone is pleased with the lineup. Zimbabwean artist Buffalo Souljah expressed disappointment at the exclusion of his country from the programme, stating that 'practising African unity must start from these events.'
Buffalo Souljah took to Instagram to repeat his call, questioning whether the event's organisers wanted Zimbabweans to tune in. He also expressed his frustration at the lack of representation from his country, saying 'how long shall we stand and watch? Are we not worthy?'
He was joined in his criticism by Zambian dance hall star DJ Cosmo, who wrote that 'Africa is too big to be represented by the same faces and same countries.'
Idris Elba's home concert is set to take place on Africa Day, May 25, 2020.