This archive report was first published on 24 May 2020.
On Monday, Africa will come together to celebrate its unity and resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic through a 2-hour virtual concert. The event, hosted by Hollywood actor Idris Elba, will feature a star-studded line-up of musicians from across the continent.
Idris Elba, who recently recovered from COVID-19 after testing positive in March, will headline The Africa Day Benefit Concert At Home through a partnership with MTV Base Africa and YouTube. The concert aims to raise awareness and funds for the health and food needs of children and families affected by the pandemic.
The line-up includes South African artists Sho Madjozi, AKA, and Nasty C, as well as Nigerian music stars Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, and Teni. Legendary Grammy-winning singer Angelique Kidjo, StoneBwoy from Ghana, Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz, Congolese star Fally Ipupa, and Kenyan Afro-pop group Sauti Sol will also perform.
According to YouTube and Viacom CBS Network Africa, all funds raised will go to the World Food Program and UNICEF, which are supporting coronavirus-affected communities across Africa.
“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 celebrated annually on May 25, marking the creation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. The concert will stream on the MTV Base Africa YouTube channel on Monday and air on the channel the same day.
