Youssou N’Dour a Senegalese superstar, Angelique Kidjo a Grammy-winner among other biggest names in the music scene in Africa conducted Africa day virtual concert in aim to raise awareness regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.
Artists as well as celebrities who were more than 100 across Africa and diaspora did their performance. The world Afro Network hosted the online WAN show broadcast. The play was shown by 200 African channels in marking Africa Day.
The inspiration of the Virtual Coronavirus Concert
The event got inspiration from the One World and Together at the Home concert which occurred in April. The concert saw lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Rolling Stones among others playing from homes.
The host of the show was the British musician and actor, Idris Elba. Idris is one of those who have recovered fully from COVID 19. He tested positive in March.
During the launch of this star-studded concert, Hip-hop artist and Malian kora star, Sidiki Diabate said that
“After COVID-19, Africa will be great, Africa will be strong. Together we are unbeatable,”
People Present during the Africa day
A Congolese singer Fally Ipupa, Malian afro-pop star Salif Keita, Wizkid of Nigeria, Awadi who is a Senegalese rapper, Femi Kuti, Magic system from Ivory Coast. Similarly, Eynab from Benin was among the stars who performed. They performed right from their living rooms, gardens, and even home studios. The ending line of their songs was,” Together as One.”
Also in the concert were UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres and former president of Ghana Jerry Rawlings. In his speech Rawlings said that
“Africa is a continent of rich history, culture uniqueness, and dynamism. But, Africa must rise above this as we have done with every previous challenge. Together as one I know we shall overcome and if music is the food of love let us play on.”
Call for unity
Naomi Campbell who is a British supermodel tells Africans to unify. Naomi reminds them that the challenge of African faces is extraordinary but as Africans, they can’t afford to just sit down and watching things happen. She further requested Africans to work hard and show the resilience in them as a way of overcoming the deadly disease. Lastly, she noted that only that will make them grow stronger again.
Ska and Jamaican reggae legend Jimmy Cliff says that it is for Africans to show the rest of the world what they can do. He concluded by saying it’s time for those African in diaspora and in Africa to become together as one. This was after the discrimination and racism Africans experienced in china.
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