Ndaba Dlamini
1 November 2007
An exciting line-up of South African musicians will perform at the 46664 concert to be held in Johannesburg on 1 December, World Aids Day.
The array of local musicians, including some of the country's best kwaito, rock, R&B and gospel groups, confirmed their participation in the HIV/Aids campaign concert at Ellis Park Stadium on Monday, 29 October. Nelson Mandela, the 46664 patron was at the event.
The concert will also be held at the stadium. Yesterday's event follows an earlier announcement of the international musicians who will perform at the fifth 46664 concert. They include Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Ludacris and Jamelia. Supported by the City of Johannesburg, SABC and 94.7 Highveld Stereo, the concert is being held in city for the first time since its inception five ago; it is expected to be a sell-out show.
The local artists range from seasoned performers such as Johnny Clegg, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Just Jinjer and rocker Arno Carstens, to hot new acts like The Parlotones and Cassette, and R&B female trio Jamali.
Music sensation Danny K, Goldfish, Jozi, Louise Carver, Loyiso, Malaika, Prime Circle and Vusi Mahlasela will add spice to the already scrumptious musical dish.
Speaking of their involvement in the concert, the members of Cassette said it was an honour to perform at Mandela's request. They said it was even a greater honour that their efforts would contribute towards one of the most important initiatives of our time.
"In his endeavour to eliminate Aids as a major threat to the lives of millions of human beings, we implore the people of South Africa to come out in support of Mandela's 46664 Concert 2007."
Danny K, who will be participating in his third 46664 concert, said South Africans had a responsibility to continue spreading the message about HIV/Aids "until it is eradicated from the world".
"It is great privilege to be invited to the concert against HIV/Aids," Clegg said. "This concert, for me, shows a strong sense of continuity and commitment and it's an honour to be one of the many musicians invited to support this initiative. This comes in a context when Aids denialism and tardiness has become a depressing feature of our landscape from time to time," he said.
The award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir - no newcomers to the concert - said their first appearance at a 46664 concert, in 2003, was the most memorable experience.
"We have long been associated with Aids awareness campaigns, helping where and when we can, to support those affected and infected by this overwhelming pandemic. To be called upon to support this campaign is an honour and duty the choir takes passionately in the hope that we can contribute to this worthy cause."
46664 recently unveiled its 2007/08 HIV/Aids campaign, which will build on its past achievements and expand its outreach activities to communities and schools to engage youngsters most affected by HIV/Aids.
Tickets for 46664 Concert 2007 are available through Computicket and range from R150 to R450.
Source: City of Johannesburg
