The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
Hollywood actor, singer and songwriter Idris Elba is set to host a one of a kind virtual concert to commemorate the African Day and also raise funds and awareness around the dynamic Covid-19 pandemic.
According to reports, Idris, who recently recovered from Covid-19 after testing positive in March, will headline The Africa Day Benefit Concert at Home.
The organizers of the event set to go down on Monday 25 May, said that they aim to raise awareness in support of health and food needs of children and families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic on the African continent.
The star-studded musician line-up curated for the benefit concert features South African artists Sho Madjozi, AKA and Nasty C. Nigerian music stars Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade and Teni will also perform.
Legendary Grammy-winning singer Angelique Kidjo, StoneBwoy from Ghana, Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz, Congolese star Fally Ipupa and Kenyan Afro-pop group Sauti Sol complete the line-up.
Read Also: Idris Elba met with Canadian PM's wife before both tested positive
Speaking about the much-anticipated concert, the 47-year-old Long Walk to Freedom actor said that Africa is just good enough for herself and she has what it takes to benefit her people.
“Taking a moment to shine a light on African arts to benefit the African homeland and its people. A continent of this size should find a way to dig deep and stand up for one another at a time like this. It’s important for the future and history will not forget,” he said.
The two-hour special concert will be streamed and broadcast around the globe on MTV channels and the MTV Base Africa YouTube channel.
According to Alex Okosi, managing director of Emerging Markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa at YouTube, Music is a tool that can be used across to unit people, especially during times like these.
“Music is a powerful tool that connects Africans and this Africa Day concert is a great way to bring people together and support a great cause, we are honoured at the opportunity to bring the power of YouTube to support this great initiative,” said Alex.
Since the Covid-19 outbreak, several initiatives have been launched to support the efforts of African governments and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the fight against the virus.
There have been over 2,800 deaths across the continent due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, with almost 89,000 cases confirmed. Over 34,000 have recovered, and many countries have extended the lockdown, while some are slowly moving to ease restrictions.
Read Also: Idris Elba and wife Sabrina 'stuck in limbo after coronavirus quarantine'
The celebrations of the African day which commemorates the historic formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963, which is the precursor to the African Union (AU) will take a different tone as the continent continues to battle the virus.
