THE AFRICA DAY BENEFIT CONCERT AT HOME INSPIRES ACTION TOWARDS FOOD ASSISTANCE – MAKE YOUR MARK
AND AROUND THE WORLD CONTINUE TO MAKE A CALL FOR A UNITED EFFORT TO RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME AND UNICEF COVID-19 FOOD AND HEALTH SUPPORT
Aired to millions across the continent on MTV, MTV Base, BET AFRICA and Comedy Central and streamed to a global audience on the MTV Base Africa YouTube site, audiences were treated to an opening of an energetic Idris Elba joined by Davido, Boity, Bonang, Tiwa Savage, Mr Eazi, Marques Houston, Zozibini, Pearl Thusi, Jidenna and Trevor Noah counting down on a virtual call. Elba highlighted that the purpose of the concert was to demonstrate that Africa cares for each other and encouraged viewers to make a difference by pledging to make a positive impact for the continent.
President of South Africa and Chair of the African Union His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated the organisers of the event and commented that the social relief that is needed to support vulnerable men, women and children across Africa is extensive. The money raised at this benefit concert makes a world of difference in the lives of those who need it most. President Ramaphosa commended the artists, movie stars and musicians who have given of their time for this noble cause. His Excellency President Paul Kagame of Rwanda also shared a message of support for the initiative reminding audiences of the rich cultural heritage the continent has and highlighted the importance of caring for each other during this pandemic through solidarity.
Surprise contributor Spike Lee made an appearance, Trevor Noah greeted fans with the colloquial ‘Eita’ a reminder of his African roots and affirmed the need to celebrate Africa as a united continent led by the brave efforts of its modern day leaders. Jidenna evoked strong diaspora resonance with his words, “I am African because I was not born in Africa but because Africa was born in me” and Yvonne Chaka Chaka echoed with “I am because you are” in her call to action.
An extended edition of the Africa Day Benefit Concert At Home will be screened on Sunday, May 31st at 20:00 WAT on MTV Base (DStv channel 322). The benefit concert has been made available to 30 June 2020 to over 20 Free To Air Networks across the continent and globally in the UK and the US with BET International.
The full list of Performers and Contributors who took up the call to action to Salute Africa includes:
Performers:
Adekunle Gold (Nigeria), Afro B (UK), AKA (South Africa), Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Bebe Cool (Uganda), Burna Boy (Nigeria), Busiswa(South Africa), C4 Pedro (Angola), Davido (
Contributors
Adesua Etomi-Wellington (Nigeria), Am