Cream of SA musicians to perform at 46664

More than forty of SA’s biggest artists and musicians will join Nelson Mandela’s call to performance for the forthcoming 46664 World Aids Day Concert.

“It is always an honour playing for a cause that helps heal the continent,” artist JOZI.

FORMER PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA WELCOMES CREAM OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MUSICAL TALENT TO 46664 JOHANNESBURG CONCERT

1 DECEMBER 2007, ELLIS PARK STADIUM, JOHANNESBURG, S.A.

The concert is the fifth 46664 event staged at points across the world since the founding in 2002 of the HIV AIDS charity which carries Nelson Mandela’s prison number and has been made possible through the support of Joburg City.

An announcement earlier this month brought news of global support for the event from a host of international artists including Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Corinne Bailey Rae, Razorlight, Ludacris, Goo Goo Dolls and Jamelia.

The event confirms additional appearances by a further fifteen acts drawn from the biggest names in South African music, as well as a return by World artist Angelique Kidjo, who made a well-remembered appearance at the first 46664 concert back in 2003 and has since taken on the role of an international ambassador to the charity.

Says Angelique: “I visited Robben Island just before the first 46664 concert and I understood that Nelson Mandela could not have spent all these years standing up for his continent just to let it be hurt by a disease that can be prevented and cured if there is a strong political will. That’s the message we will be sending this time: we will not forget about this until change is made!”

The South African bands and artists being announced between them account for millions of record sales each year and in their diversity reach out across the entire mixed population of the country.

“The 46664 message is one that needs to be heard in every corner of our country, and indeed, the world. These artists between them reach into every one of our communities – upholding Mr. Mandela’s message that HIV AIDS is not a local issue, but a universal one”, said a spokesman for 46664.

The artists range from such seasoned South African performers as Johnny Clegg, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Just Jinjer and rocker Arno Carstens to hot new acts such as rock bands The Parlotones and Cassette, and R & B female trio Jamali.

As well as performing their own sets, some of the artists are expected to be seen in collaborations with visiting artists....