Smiths to host Nobel concert

2009-09-30 10:42

Oslo - American rap artist and actor Will Smith and his wife, the actress Jada Pinkett Smith, will co-host this year's Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, organisers said on Wednesday.

The December 11 show - a day after the award ceremony - will feature performances by Wyclef Jean, Toby Keith, Donna Summer, Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi as well as Amadou & Mariam, a blues and jazz duet from Mali.

"The opportunity to recognize the laureate's contributions to the world peace movement will be an awe-inspiring experience," the Smiths said in a joint statement. "We are both humbled and honoured to take part in the Nobel Peace Prize Concert this year."

The winner of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize is to be announced in Oslo on October 9. The award is always handed out December 10, the anniversary of prize founder Alfred Nobel's death in 1896.

"We're excited to have Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith join us as hosts for the Nobel Peace Prize Concert," said Geir Lundestad, secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. "Together they've had a global impact on the arts and philanthropy and will be excellent ambassadors for peace."

Smith, 41, rose to fame in the 1980s as a rapper under the name The Fresh Prince and as the star of a popular television comedy show. His many films include "Men in Black" and "Independence Day".

His wife, 38, is an actress, model and singer-songwriter. Her film career has included roles in the "The Nutty Professor," "Ali," and "The Matrix Reloaded."

- AP