Nelson Mandela will host a star-studded concert in South Africa in December.
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The former South African president will bring together the world’s greatest musical acts for the show in Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium to mark World AIDS Day on 1 December.
This will be the fifth concert Mandela has organised under his 46664 campaign – named after his prison number from the 27 years he spent in jail on Robben Island – to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.
Mandela said yesterday (01.10.07): “We are grateful that the City of Johannesburg has made it possible for 46664 to stage our first concert on World AIDS Day.
“Johannesburg has long asked for a concert to be held here and I am happy that we can now deliver to the people of Johannesburg. We look forward to being joined by thousands of citizens on that day.”
The first concert – held in Cape Town on 29 November 2003 – included performances from Bono, Beyonce Knowles, Bob Geldof and Jimmy Plant.
The Johannesburg concert – which is set to feature 35 world-famous artists – is expected to draw over 50,000 music fans, and will contribute to the USD3million already raised for AIDS awareness through the 46664 concerts.
Mandela also announced a 46664 concert to be held in London on 27 June next year to celebrate his 90th birthday.
Mandela said: “The 46664 campaign has done great work in putting the global
spotlight on the issue of HIV and AIDS. We will continue to use celebrities
from the world of music, sports and entertainment to speak to the youth
about the disease.”
The line-up for the December concert will be announced on October 15.
