African artists finally get chance to grace Live 8 stage

"Why are we having this controversy. If there were not big stars there would not be the attention of the media. What is important is that we all work together against poverty" Angelique Kidgo

17/06/2005

Benin singer
Angelique Kidgo

The Eden Project in Cornwall has been confirmed as the venue for the African- Calling concert highlighting the Live 8 campaign for essential Aid and trade in Africa.

The Eden Project in Cornwall has been confirmed as the venue for the African- Calling concert highlighting the Live 8 campaign for essential Aid and trade in Africa.

The upcoming concert devised by former Genesis star, Peter Gabriel, hopes to challenge criticism over the under-representation of black artists at next month’s Live 8 concert in Hyde Park, which set up by 1984’s Live Aid organisers Bob Geldof and former Ultrabox singer, Midge Ure.

The global event will showcase performances from artists, such as Senegal’s Youssou N’ dour, Thomas Mapfumo and the Black United from Zimbabwe and Mali singer, Salif Keita.

Peter Gabriel who strongly advocates world music said he always wanted to see more African artists in other Live 8 promotions, especially as they would be the most relevant performers to relate the African musical spirit to world-wide audiences.

According to the Guardian, the Womad co-founder is very enthusiastic about the concert and sees it as the right attribute in fighting Africa’s desperate needs, rather than calculating record sales.
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