Africa's musos do their bit
2005-07-02 16:09
Johannesburg - Musicians from south and west Africa began a concert in Johannesburg on Saturday as part of a worldwide musical campaign highlighting the plight of people on the continent.
Political icon Nelson Mandela was expected to make an appearance before the crowd of about 40 00 attending the event that is linked to a worldwide series of Live 8 concerts.
Popular performers from the jazz, reggae and South African kwaito music scenes were included in the line-up at Mary Fitzgerald in the city's new cultural precinct.
From South Africa there was the energetic Lucky Dube, Jabu Kanyile of the group Bayete and the traditional Mohatella Queens singers.
Two west African acts - Senegal's Orchestra Baobab and Mali's Oumou Sangare were also due to perform.
The Johannesburg event was the only Live 8 concert to take place in Africa under a campaign organised by the international anti- poverty and aid groups under the banner of Global Call to Action against Poverty.
Veteran Irish rock star Bob Geldof, one of a handful of musicians who have over two decades used their talent and popularity to turn the spotlight on the world's poorest continent, has been instrumental in putting together the campaign.
Live 8 comes ahead of next week's G8 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland amid high expectation that leaders from the world's wealthiest nations will decide on more support for the impoverished Africa. - Sapa-dpa
- SAPA