Annie Lennox's Charity Work

www.looktothestars.org

Annie Lennox has come a long way since fronting the Grammy Award-winning Eurythmics in the 1980s. Since then she has become a successful solo artist, sold more than 80 million records, and become renowned for her charity work with organizations such as Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Foundation.

The singer, who was awarded with the British Red Cross’ Services to Humanity Award in 2008, dedicates much of her time to raising awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.

Earlier this year the 53-year-old singer released a special fundraising single called Sing, which featured a 23-member choir of female celebrities, including Madonna, Faith Hill, Pink, and many more. Proceeds from the single went to the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), an organization that that provides much needed support in the continent’s struggle against the deadly virus.

Lennox believes everybody can do something to help those affected by AIDS in Africa. She is especially supportive of what she calls “Laptop Activism”, and runs many of her charity initiatives through the internet.

The singer also recently took part in Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday concert in London, where she urged people to join in the struggle to help the 15 million children orphaned by the disease in Africa.

“One third of pregnant women in South Africa are HIV positive,” Lennox told CNN. “We can prevent their children being born with the virus if we let the women have access to treatment. If you do not allow that to happen, you’re going to have future generations simply being wiped out.”

GRAMMY AWARD WINNING SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR'S NEW PROJECT

August 25, 2008

GRAMMY AWARD WINNING SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR'S NEW PROJECT: Shanachie releases 'Live at the Nelson Mandela Theatre' CD/DVD

On Sept 16 the Soweto Gospel Choir will simultaneously release their new CD/DVD 'Live at the Nelson Mandela Theatre.'

It comes just in time for their Oct. 3rd 48-city North American tour kick-off, which will run through the holiday season - a first for the Choir in America.

In the five short years of their existence the Soweto Gospel Choir has achieved an almost unbelievable array of accomplishments: two Grammy Awards, two number one Billboard World Music Chart albums and collaborations either in concert or in the studio with Bono, Robert Plant, Peter Gabriel, and Celine Dion.

They were one of the featured performers at Oprah Winfrey’s New Year’s Eve party in South Africa where they wowed such invited guests as Quincy Jones, Mariah Carey, Patti La Belle and Sidney Poitier.

Not many artists can count as their supporters the likes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu (an official patron of the Choir) and Nelson Mandela, for whom the choir performed at his original star-studded AIDS awareness 46664 concert and most recently his 90th Birthday concert along with Leona Lewis, Annie Lennox, Will Smith, Joan Baez and others in London. Yet the choir’s greatest achievement of all may be the fact that they have raised over $1,000,000 for their charity, Nkosi’s Haven, which provides care for families victimized by AIDS.

One of the highlights on their crowd-pleasing CD/DVD is the township jive number “Avulekile Amasango” and Bob Marley’s “One Love.”

As Soweto Gospel Choir executive producer/show director, Beverly Bryer notes, “'One Love' has been sung and popularized by several African groups. The song is a perfect match for the choir as it contains a special spiritual message that is relevant to the choir and the music we enjoy singing.”

Another highlight is the choir’s interpretation of the spiritual standard “River Jordan,” which they recorded for the first time. Listening to the CD or viewing the DVD offers an experience that is indeed the next best thing to being there.

Soweto Gospel Choir began in late 2002 when South African executive producer Beverly Bryer and noted musical director David Mulovhedzi held auditions in Soweto to form an all-star “super-choir” and was able to create a powerful aggregation made of the best singers from Mulovhedzi’s own Holy Jerusalem Choir, as well as various Soweto churches and even the public. Ultimately a 26-member aggregation of mainly singers in their twenties and teens were formed.

Africa in general (and South Africa in particular) has a long diverse history with Gospel music. When Africans encountered European missionaries and churches, they quickly absorbed their religious music and blended it with local traditional music to come up with unique styles and repertoires of spiritual songs. South Africa has long been noted for powerful singers and a capella vocal traditions of great beauty. In addition, dancing is an integral part of African church worship and so the dancing seen onstage is an authentic representation of African religious experience and not, as some would assume a “show-biz” device.

Sudanese child soldier trades gun for beats

By Emily Geminder, Mediaglobal

Extracts:

It could almost be the archetypal rap song’s story, with its brushes with gunfire and shades of oppression, its long odyssey from violence to redemption. But Emmanuel Jal is no typical rap star. At the age of seven, after witnessing his mother’s death and the rape of his aunt by opposition forces, he was conscripted into the Sudan People’s Liberation Army. He carried an AK-47 that was roughly his height. (...)

Two weeks ago, at a massive concert to honor Nelson Mandela and raise money for AIDS, Jal appeared on stage to an introduction by Peter Gabriel, who called him an artist with “the potential of a young Bob Marley.” Singing his song “Emma,” dedicated to the woman who saved him and some 150 other child soldiers, Jal called out to all those who incite change. Half-dancing, half-tumbling across the stage, his limbs shuddered and shook, faintly possessed with sound. The crowd of thousands pulsed to his words, and Jal looked like a man at peace telling his story. (...)

SA choir in Disney smash WALL-E

The Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir has added its distinctive sound to Disney Pixar’s latest hit WALL-E, which hits South African cinemas tomorrow.

VIDEO: Watch the Wall-E trailer

Down to Earth was written by English musician Peter Gabriel, of Genesis fame. It will run during the film’s credits, with the choir singing the chorus. The animated movie, which is topping sales on the US circuit, follows the journey of a robot left on an abandoned planet Earth.

“The Soweto Gospel Choir is absolutely thrilled to have collaborated with Peter Gabriel on the WALL-E song. They are not only honoured to have sung with an icon of the music industry, but to have the song included in one of the top films on circuit,” said Beverly Bryer, executive producer of the Soweto Gospel Choir.

Gabriel approached the choir to work on the song after collaborating with it at the December 46664 Aids benefit concert . The choir recently performed with Josh Groban and Amy Winehouse at Madiba’s birthday party in London. It has sung for talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, and it sang “Happy Birthday” to its patron, retired archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Emmanuel Jal Makes A Big impression At Mandela Bash

From Antimusic :

(Noble PR) Former Sudanese child soldier turned rapper, Emmanuel Jal, received rave reviews for his explosive performance of the song 'Emma' with the Soweto Gospel Choir at the '46664 Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Concert' in London's Hyde Park on June 27th. He was introduced by Peter Gabriel who proclaimed him as "having the potential of a young Bob Marley."

"I met the next artist about 3 years ago and was enormously impressed with this young man from Sudan," said Peter Gabriel, as he introduced Emmanuel Jal at the 46664 Nelson Mandela concert. "His brutal childhood as a 7 year old child soldier taught him to be a mindless killing machine. People expected Mandela to come out of 27 years in jail calling for revenge but he came out calling for forgiveness, compassion and collaboration."

"This next artist came out of the horror of a brutal war, a brutal childhood with a clear voice calling out against violence, hatred and materialism. He's gonna have a huge influence in the world way beyond his music. He's still developing and exploring his musical voice, but I think you have the opportunity to see someone with the potential of a young Bob Marley. Please give an enormous welcome to the amazing Emmanuel Jal."

'Emma' will be released as a digital download single on iTunes from 22nd July. Taken from Jal's new critically acclaimed album 'Warchild', 'Emma' is dedicated to the British Aid worker Emma McCune, who rescued Emmanuel Jal from a continued existence as a child soldier. Emma adopted Emmanuel and smuggled him to Kenya to begin a new life, where he could grow up safe and get an education. Sadly, a few months later Emma died in a car accident. A film based on Emma's life, 'Emma's War, directed by Tony Scott (Enemy of the State), is due for theatrical release in 2009.

Watch Peter Gabriel's intro and Emmanuel's performance of 'Emma' at the Mandela concert here :



* July 12th - Rising Styles Hiphop festival in Brighton
* July 13th - Rise Festival in Finsbury Park, London
* Aug 4th - 9th - Afrikadey Festival in Calgary, Canada
* Aug 16th - 17th - the V Festival
* Aug 22nd - the Greenbelt Festival, Cheltenham

Mandela concert attracts 50,000 people

Posted by on Monday Sam Banda Junior, AfricaNews reporter in Blantyre, Malawi

Former South African president Nelson Mandela received a massive audience of up to 50,000 people Friday during his concert in London's Hyde Park. Several music artists which included Amy Winehouse came together during the concert aimed at raising funds for the South Africa’s first black presidents HIV/Aids charity ahead of his birthday next month.

During his stay in Britain, Mandela has uttered just four words of criticism of Zimbabwe in a speech at a dinner -- "tragic failure of leadership" -- but they were enough to make headline news. Actor Will Smith kicked the show in style when with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith quoted singer Peter Gabriel saying if the world could only have one father, the man who would have been chosen would be Nelson Mandela.

Mandela who was very happy with the concert turns 90 on July 18. Speaking during the concert which was partly overshadowed by Zimbabwe’s disputed elections also on Friday, said the African continent needs to know that there was more work to be done to give freedom for all.

“Let us remind ourselves that our work is far from complete and our work is for freedom for all,” Mandela told the BBC. The former president further observed that where there is poverty and sickness including HIV/Aids and that where human beings are being oppressed there need for more work to be done.

A BBC report Friday said Mandela arrived on stage flanked by stars of the show, including Geri Halliwell and Leona Lewis. Mandela’s charity concert dubbed 46664 charity was named after his prison number which was given during the 27 years he spent behind bars for his stand against South African apartheid.

However the report said the concert finally reached the climax when with the coming in of a rendition of The Special AKA hit Free Nelson Mandela, written by Jerry Dammers, which became an anti-apartheid anthem in the 1980s.

Many African artists also flew in for the birthday gig, including Papa Wemba of DR Congo, and South African singers Loyiso and Kurt Darren. Mandela popularly known as Madiba among the country’s locals, officially retired from politics nine years ago, but he is still a moral authority admired the world over.

Nelson Mandela concert rocks Hyde Park

By Adam Sweeting, Hyde Park, Telegraph.co.uk

Telegraph TV: Mandela joins stars for his 90th birthday

Before the show, the crooner Josh Groban gushed that "anybody who believes in peace and equality should come to this concert," and the sentiment was noisily endorsed by the hordes assembled to celebrate Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday.

Nelson Mandela waves to the crowd on stage during the concert honouring his 90th birthday in Hyde Park. Mandela urged everyone to keep supporting his 46664 campaign while there was still poverty and oppression in the world

Twenty years after massed superstars gathered at Wembley to demand his release from Robben Island jail, Mandela has made an extraordinary transition from anti-apartheid figurehead into a sort of quasi-Christ.

"He'll probably be remembered as the greatest historical figure of this era," according to a hyped-up Will Smith, one of the fleet of Hollywood icons (also including Oprah, Denzel Washington and Robert de Niro) freighted in for the occasion and one of the show's multiple comperes.

With sogginess engulfing Glastonbury and symptoms of festival-fatigue afflicting punters elsewhere, the mood in Hyde Park remained celebratory, despite scudding grey clouds and a chilly wind.

The event was a technical feat, equipped with a sharper-than-average sound system and enough giant screens to offer a superior view from any angle.

Still, not even Mandela could create an entirely classless society in the park, and the blingtastic legion of celebs had been allocated their own "VIP Golden Circle" area in front of the stage.

But the major achievement was to squeeze such a vast roll-call of artists into the same evening.

A well-drilled house band, assisted by the vividly-coloured Soweto Gospel Choir, provided backup to everyone from a cheesy but energetic Sugababes to the perfectly-pitched Leona Lewis and the statuesque Jamelia.

With each act restricted to only one or two songs the turnarounds had to be slick, but the pace rarely slackened.

Even Amy Winehouse, looking dazed and uncertain but evidently determined to keep her promise to perform, hit the stage bang on cue.

Some of the most memorable moments were the least expected. Peter Gabriel popped up to introduce Sudanese rapper and ex-boy soldier Emmanuel Jal, whose vivid and eloquent performance suggested the arrival of a star-in-waiting.

Annie Lennox delivered an impassioned speech about stepping up the war against Aids in Africa, and led a stirring singalong with the Agape Choir, which is made up of Aids orphans.

Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton used his brief compere slot to explain, rather touchingly, why Mandela mattered to him.

As the evening wore on, clanky old pomp-rock increasingly began to clog up the works.

Simple Minds could have squeezed in a whole extra song instead of getting the crowd to sing "la-la-la" ad infinitum during Don't You Forget About Me, while Queen really ought to be under glass in the V&A.

But the frail Mandela gave his flock some moments to savour when he made his way laboriously to the microphone, and urged everyone to keep supporting his 46664 campaign while there was still poverty and oppression in the world.

He understands better than anyone what a long haul that's going to be.

Smith hosts Mandela concert

On Teletext : Nelson Mandela praised the celebration of his 90th birthday concert - but said it was time for "new hands to lift the burdens" of human suffering. Looking frail but smiling, Mandela was physically helped on to the stage and used a stick as he delivered his birthday speech at London's Hyde Park.

Earlier, Hollywood actor Will Smith kicked off the star-studded bash, saying: "The party begins now." When Mandela arrived on stage he was flanked by stars of the show, including Geri Halliwell and Leona Lewis.

He said: "Even as we celebrate, let us remind ourselves that our work is far from complete. Where there is poverty and sickness, including Aids, where human beings are being oppressed, there is more work to be done. Our work is for freedom for all."

Leona Lewis was one of the biggest hits of the gig, singing her ballad Bleeding Heart as well as Better In Time.

The X Factor winner said: "When I was younger I remember my aunty and grandmother used to tell me stories about this incredible, wonderful, great man, Nelson Mandela. We used to sing songs about him. It's incredible to sing here today at his 90th birthday celebration."

Annie Lennox, who performed with the Agape Choir, took to the stage wearing a T-shirt saying "HIV Positive". In a message to Mandela, talking about HIV and Aids, she said: "We must do something to prevent a virtual genocide upon your people."

Peter Gabriel then introduced rapper Emmanuel Jal, a former child soldier. Gabriel said the performer had the "potential of a young Bob Marley".

Amy Winehouse defied her detractors to take to the stage just days after coming out of hospital.

U2's Bono and The Edge recorded a version of Happy Birthday for Mandela. The concert was to benefit the former South Africa president's HIV Aids charity 46664.

Mandela's 90th birthday dinner

An array of stars from the sports, music and movie world hit London’s Hyde Park last night for a dinner to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday.

Robert DeNiro, Denzel Washington, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Forest Whitaker and Uma Thurman were among the many A-listers making up the Hollywood contingent, while Annie Lennox, Peter Gabriel and the (brightly-coloured) Sugababes were famous music faces in attendance. Even Queen of the Sofa Oprah Winfrey flew over just for the occasion. (...)

Marie Claire News

Johnny Clegg : Asibonanga Mandela !

Sur Hit Muse Mag :

Queen, Leona Lewis, Annie Lennox, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Simple Minds, Razorlight, Eminem, U2, Amy Winehouse les Spice Girls, Johnny Clegg et un certain nombre d’invités surprises étaient Vendredi soir sur scène à Hyde Park, pour fêter, au cours d’un giga-concert, les 90 ans de Nelson Mandela. A cette occasion, retour en arrière violent de vingt ans jusqu’en 1988, lorsque Nelson était encore en prison et que les lois racistes de l’apartheid régissaient encore son pays. Rencontre dans l’Afrique du Sud d’alors avec les chants de la libération sur les traces du « zoulou blanc », Johnny Clegg.

C’est fou comme le temps passe, Nelson Mandela célèbre ses 90 printemps en homme libre et en ex-président de son pays l’Afrique du Sud. Ce Vendredi dans le cadre chargé de symbole d’Hyde Park à Londres, là où précisément les Stones avaient rendu leur hommage à Brian Jones l’été de sa mort en 69, une armada de musiciens va entonner « Happy Birthday Mandela ».

Et pourtant, 20 ans auparavant cet homme absolument hors du commun, ce Gandhi Africain était encore un bagnard exilé parmi ses camarades de l’ANC dans son pénitencier de Robben Island, au large de Cape Town. Et déjà des voix de musiciens s’étaient élevées pour réclamer sa libération comme la fin du régime honteux de l’apartheid. En Europe, bien sur avec Peter Gabriel ou les Specials.

Mais, plus original, un groupe multi-racial de l’intérieur, Savuka conduit par Johnny Clegg vocalisait aussi pour la liberté de Mandela. Et cet été 88, son chant « Asibonanga (Mandela) » était repris en France par des millions de Français, tandis que son 33 tours « Third World Child » culminait dans tous les hits avec UN MILLION d’unités vendues. 1 Français sur 50 avait acheté cet album apportant ainsi son soutien à la lutte contre le régime sud-africain qui avait encore assassiné : Dulcie September la représentante à Paris de l’ANC (African National Congress) avait payé de sa vie son engagement à la lutte contre l’apartheid..

Tout sur le chiffre “ 46664 ”

Grand concert pour les 90 ans de Mandela

Nelson Mandela serait sans doute l’homme qui a marqué le 20e siècle. Ayant mené une lutte contre le racisme en Afrique du Sud, l’histoire de cet homme titulaire d’un prix Nobel de la Paix aurait marqué tout un siècle. Atteignant actuellement ses 90 ans, un grand concert sera organisé, pour lui rendre hommage, le 27 Juin à Hyde Park à Londres. Dénommé le « concert du 46664 », cet évènement verra la participation d’une panoplie de « stars internationaux ». L’on annonce même des dernières « retrouvailles » avec les « Spice Girls » afin de marquer l’évènement.

033 56 466 64

Le chiffre 46664 est un « tout » pour Nelson Mandela. C’était son numéro d’identification lors de sa détention en prison depuis 1964 jusqu’à sa libération en 1990. C’est aussi le titre donné à une série de concert organisé par la Fondation Nelson-Mandela en faveur de la lutte contre le SIDA ayant comme slogan : « Aids is no longer just a disease, it is a human rights issue » (Le sida n’est plus une simple maladie, c’est un enjeux des droits de l’Homme).

Le numéro 46664 est encore utilisé comme référence honorifique à l’ancien prisonnier Nelson Mandela, victime du système de l’Apartheid. La Fondation Nelson-Mandela a choisie 46664.com pour l’adresse de son site internet. Ce numéro n’est pas une simple référence, Mandela était le 466e prisonnier incarcéré à la prison de Robben Island en 1964.

(...)

Les concerts 46664

Une série de concerts est déjà organisée depuis 2003 par la fondation Nelson Mandela. Le premier a eu lieu le 29 novembre 2003 au Cap, en Afrique du Sud au « Green Point Stadium ». Il fut organisé par Nelson Mandela et avait pour but de récolter des fonds pour que sa fondation puisse faire de la prévention et lutter contre l’augmentation du nombre de personnes séropositives au VIH en Afrique-du-Sud. C’est pour cela que ce premier concert portait le nom du « concert 46664 ».

Les artistes suivants y ont participé. Entre autres, Beyoncé Knowles , Queen (Brian May et Roger Taylor), Youssou N’Dour , Yusuf Islam (anciennement connu sous le pseudonyme de Cat Stevens) Peter Gabriel , Angélique Kidjo , Bono et The Edge du groupe U2 , Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Johnny Clegg, Jimmy Cliff , The Corrs , Ladysmith Black Mambazo , Eurythmics , Zucchero, Ms Dynamite , Anastacia , Soweto Gospel Choir. A la suite de ce concert, trois « CD live » et un DVD intitulés « 46664 : The Event » ont étés commercialisés.

Le 19 mars 2005, un autre concert “ 46664 anniversaire « a eu lieu à George en Afrique-du-Sud avec des participants tels que Katie Melua, Annie Lennox, et Queen (avec Paul Rodgers). Will Smith fut le parrain de ce second concert.

Le premier concert 46664 en Europe s’est déroulé du 29 avril au 1er mai 2005 à Madrid, en Espagne. Le concert fut nommé « 46664 Festival Madrid », avec des artistes principalement hispaniques, dont Zucchero.

Le 11 juin 2005 a été organisé le « 46664 Arctic Concert » (" concert arctique 46664 ") à Tromso, en Norvège. Un concert qui à duré plus de 5h sans interruption (de 19h00 le 11 juin jusqu’à 1h15 le lendemain). Cette année, un concert se tiendra à Londres, le 27 Juin prochain. Will Smith, Johnny Clegg et bien d’autres « stars internationaux » seront à l’affiche de ce concert pour les 90 ans de Nelson Mandela. Et 46 664 personnes sont attendus à ce grand rendez-vous.

Recueilli par Daddy Ramanankasina

Emmanuel Jal Joins All Star Mandela Bday Bash

Former child soldier turned hip-hop artist Emmanuel Jal has been invited to perform at the concert event, "46664 Concert Honoring Nelson Mandela at 90," which will play to a gathering of 46,664 friends and supporters at London's Hyde Park on June 27. The concert is one event in a three-day period of celebrations that will pay tribute to one of the world's most loved leaders, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and icon of freedom, Nelson Mandela, who turns 90 later this year.

With Mr. Mandela in attendance, Jal will perform songs from his brand new album, "Warchild," due out in the U.S. on May 13. The 13 songs on "Warchild" are rooted in Jal's extraordinary life as a Sudanese child soldier. "Nelson Mandela is one of my biggest inspirations," said Jal. "It's a great honor for me to be given this chance to celebrate his birthday on the stage and then to attend his dinner birthday party. I cannot wait for the day."

Jal will join Royalty and politicians from both sides of the Atlantic, leading names from business, sports, film and entertainment - and some of the most successful musicians of the past twenty years. Queen + Paul Rodgers, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds, Leona Lewis, as well as South African and African artists such as Johnny Clegg, Sipho Mabuse, and the legendary Papa Wemba will perform at the concert. The concert will also feature numerous surprise appearances by major artists. In addition, President Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, actor Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Robert de Niro and Forest Whitaker are among those who will attend some of the celebrations over the three-day period.

Emmanuel Jal, who doesn't know when he was born or exactly how old he is, learned how to fire a machine gun before he could ride a bike, and lives with the nightmares of the unspeakable things he had to do as a child soldier. When he was about 13, he, along with some 400 other "child soldiers," courageously deserted the rebel lines. Only sixteen made it to the relative freedom of a refugee camp. Jal was one of them.

Music is what kept him going after returning to "the real world." On "Warchild" (Sonic360/Fontana), Jal mixes hip hop with world music rhythms to tell his incredible story in songs like "Forced to Sin," "Many Rivers to Cross," "Baaki Wara," and the title track. A feature documentary on Jal's experience, also entitled "War Child," just won the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival Cadillac Audience Award, and will screen later this month at the Cannes Film Festival. In addition, Jal is writing his autobiography for St. Martin's Press. Over the past several years, Emmanuel has befriended artists like Peter Gabriel, Bono, Moby and Sir Bob Geldof who have helped him in countless ways, whether with his music or his Gua Africa foundation that helps educate former child soldiers.

For more information on the "46664 Concert Honoring Nelson Mandela at 90," log on to http://www.46664.com/

Concert « 46664 » pour la lutte contre le sida

Avec ses 5,5 millions de séropositifs, sur 48 millions d’habitants, l’Afrique du Sud est de nos jours l’un des pays le plus touché par l’épidémie du SIDA.

Samedi 1er Décembre, à l’occasion de la journée mondiale de la lutte contre le SIDA, le stade Ellis Park de Johannesburg accueillait plus de 15 000 spectateurs venus assister à un concert.

Ce cinquième concert de la campagne surnommée « 46664 » en référence au matricule donné par les autorités pénitentiaires à Nelson Mandela sous l’apartheid a été organisé à l’initiative de cet ex-leader de l’ANC. Il était destiné à une collecte de fonds ainsi qu’à la sensibilisation du public sur la problématique du SIDA. Les concerts précédant s’étaient déroulés dans d’autres villes du pays mais également en Espagne et en Norvège.

Le thème de la campagne : « ton sort est entre tes mains » était illustré par un discours de Mandela ainsi que par la projection d’une vidéo retraçant son parcours : jeune avocat, combattant de la liberté, prisonnier, puis premier président démocratique de l’Afrique du Sud.

Nelson Mandela a déclaré au public que « si nous voulions arrêter le processus de développement du SIDA, nous devions rompre le cycle de nouvelles infections » et ce grâce a de simples comportements, « ce qui importe vraiment, ce sont les petits gestes de gentillesse…tel que se protéger ».

Bien que les taux de contamination aient diminués en 2007, « pour chaque personne recevant un traitement, quatre autres sont touchées à nouveau » a affirmé l’ancien président Sud Africain.

Un spectateur a déclaré « il te suffit de donner un petit peu, cela peut signifier beaucoup pour d’autres ». Une jeune femme venue assister au concert a ajouté « Nous sommes là pour la cause. Nous sommes là pour la musique et pour nous rassembler autour de quelque chose qui nous est cher. »

Des artistes de renommée internationale figuraient parmi la trentaine de musiciens. On peut citer Annie Lennox, Johnny Clegg ou encore Peter Gabriel qui a interprété « Biko » au nom de l’activiste sud-africain mort en détention en 1977.

La campagne a rapporté plus de 20 millions de rands ( soit plus de 2 millions d’euros ).

La prochaine édition d’un concert « 46664 » est prévu à Londres le 27 Juin 2008 afin de célébrer le 90ème anniversaire de Nelson Mandela.

Lina / South African News by Lycée Paul Lapie

Sources:
http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=647960
www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=323385&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/
http://www.romandie.com/infos/news2/071201173442.gja

Muizenberg longboarders at the 46664 concert

(...) The 46664 concert was on. Perfect. We could relax and move on to the second case of beer. A Muizenberg longboarder was on stage. He had a hearing aid in each ear and was strumming a guitar. "I've surfed with that dude," I said to Ted. "Nonsense," he snapped. "That's Peter Gabriel." I was shocked. "That's the ANC's chief whip in the city council?" Ted gave me the lazy eye. "The other Peter Gabriel." So it was. Between songs, the camera caught him drinking a cup of tea. The band sounded as if it were made up of people blowing on dog whistles. At one point, Pete stormed off stage. He was clearly unhappy with the sound. Ted said with all that tea he probably just needed to wee. Then he came back and played something that drove the crowd wild. Well, wildish. Okay, people clapped. Some simply stood and swayed. I would also sway if I had to smoke that awful Joburg majat. (...)

46664 message misses mark - but music is a hit

While the stalwarts of the anti-HIV battle had their targets firmly in their sights at Ellis Park on Saturday during the 46664 Concert, the 45 000 strong crowd were there for the music.

The mainly young audience were enthralled by acts like Ludacris, Razorlight, Freshlyground, Just Ginger and the Goo Goo Dolls.

But the age gap between today’s youth and the concert’s driving forces, Peter Gabriel and Annie Lennox, was apparent. Fans begged for more Ludacris and hardly listened to the safer sex messages aired between acts.

One fan reported that Peter Gabriel appeared visibly shocked at the audience’s indifference to his struggle song Biko, released before most of the concert goers were born.

Most fans felt they got more than their money’s worth from the ten hour, globally broadcast show in support of Nelson Mandela’s World Aids Day initiative, taking its title from his Robben Island prison number.

Acts gave way to Aids statistics and footage of orphanages and Aids projects. But the message was lost on some of the audience, who larked around with the free condoms raining down.

Commenting on the purpose of the 46664 campaign, Deputy President and SA National Aids Council head Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said: “It’s about preventing the infections... caring for the people who are already sick. It’s about rolling out the treatment and ensuring we empower women who are at the frontline of the battle.”

GAYNOR NOYCE

World Aids Day concert

The World Aids Day concert took place in Johannesburg yesterday, 1st of December. Artists performing at the event included Annie Lennox, Peter Gabriel, Razorlight, Corinne Bailey Rae, Ludacris, Jamelia and the Goo Goo Dolls. The 46664 World Aids Day concert is the main event of World Aids Day and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Fans of the performing artists at the World Aids Day concert can visit www.t5m.com to see original material from World Aids Day unavailable anywhere else. The site includes special coverage of the event, along with a backstage look at the concert, speeches and messages from performing artists and more information on World Aids Day.

Mandela hosts World Aids Day concert

Thousands of people joined Nelson Mandela at a World Aids Day event in South Africa.

Razorlight, Annie Lennox, Peter Gabriel and Rihanna were among more than 20 stars who took to the stage at the Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg.

"It is still alarming that for every person who receives treatment there are four others that are newly infected" - Nelson Mandela

The event was organised by Mr Mandela's 46664 campaign to stand up against the scourge of Aids.

Under the guidance of the former apartheid prisoner, 46664 is a campaign to raise awareness of the global HIV/Aids pandemic.

It also aim to raise funds to support HIV/Aids projects throughout sub-Saharan Africa where the disease is rife.

"It is still alarming that for every person who receives treatment there are four others that are newly infected," Mr Mandela told the crowd.

"We are pleased to say that the 46664 prevention campaign is being stepped up and going from strength to strength."

Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox Play AIDS Benefit

Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Corinne Bailey Rae and Razorlight are among the artists set to play the 46664 World Aids Day concert -- the fifth since the charity's foundation in 2002, which carries the prison number of former South African President Nelson Mandela -- on December 1, at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ludacris, Goo Goo Dolls and Jamelia will also perform, as well as South African artists the Parlotones and Cassette, R&B trio Jamali, Johnny Clegg, Arno and Just Jinjer, among many others.

"The 46664 message is one that needs to be heard in every corner of our country, and indeed, the world," a spokesperson for the charity said. "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."

The entire event will be attended by Nelson Mandela and simulcast on the iClips Network. Click here for more information.

Posted Nov 30th 2007 12:00PM by Jessica Robertson

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....

In London last night...Peter Gabriel Receives BMI Icon Award

Peter Gabriel was given the prestigious Icon Award at the BMI awards in London last night (October 16).

The former Genesis man was handed the award at the plush surroundings of the Dorchester Hotel in recognition of his four decades in the industry and his “influence of generations of music makers.”

Speaking to BBC6music after receiving the award, Gabriel explained that he’s happy to be honoured so many times recently for his work.

He said: “It's a funny thing, because it was a pretty barren landscape for a long time, it's a bit like buses, they come along in fleets. So I guess I should really appreciate them while they're here because these things you only get once in your life and they're special.”

Gabriel has also recently confirmed that he’s performing at the 46664 World Aids Day gig alongside Annie Lennox in December after getting a phone call of a certain famous man.

“It worked, that I said No, and then I got the call from (Nelson) Mandela, and now I am going. He's not an easy man to say no to!"

Scott Colothan