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Arno Carstens will be in action at Ellis Park
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November 30, 2007, 16:30
By Margaret Maluleka
Invitations have been sent, security beefed up and tickets are selling like hot cakes for the 46664 Aids Awareness Concert. While the world will be commemorating Global Aids Day, South Africa will remember their fallen soldiers and brave heroes through good music and dance. Musicians will use song to reiterate messages of love and hope while raising more awareness about the virus.
The Nelson Mandela 46664 concert will take stock of all the milestones and strides made in fighting the scourge of HIV/Aids. Musicians like Arno Carstens, who has dreamed and begged to be in the line-up, will finally take part in the concert and hopefully his music will have Madiba tapping his feet. Carstens says South Africans is not doing enough to address the challenges posed by the virus, "it took international musicians like Bono the lead singer for the Irish rock band U2, to plan and nurture the seed of awareness and raise funds for the infected and affected". Carstens says the leaders have failed the masses however he is hoping to make a difference through his contribution.
The 46664 concert, named after Mandela's former Robben Island prison number, was launched in 2002 by the former president; aimed at raising funds for those living with HIV/Aids. The campaign also uses music to consciountize the youth about the virus. Since he stepped down in 1999 Mandela has campaigned for greater awareness of Aids issues.
Speak openly
In January 2005 Madiba, announced that his eldest son died from Aids related complications, saying the only way to fight the stigma of the disease is to openly speak about it. Mandela was the second prominent South African politician to openly disclose the cause of a family member’s demise. "Let us give publicity to HIV/Aids and not hide it," said Madiba when Makgatho Mandela died.
In 2004 the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) president, Mangosothu Buthelize made headlines when he made it public that his dead son had HIV/Aids. Four month later Buthelize wrote a moving tribute in the Sunday Times dedicated to his daughter who suffered the same fate.
An RnB sensation, Loyiso Bala, who is overwhelmed by the request to perform at the concert, has hailed the campaign as a great tool for social change. "The impact of the campaign is powerful and has been effective in educating and promoting safe sex and highlighting the dangers of Aids," said Bala.
Heal the continent
Speaking about their involvement with the 46664 concert the young lads of Jozi said they are privileged to be involved in a cause that helps heal the continent, "viva 46664 viva,".
Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Ludacris, Corinne Bailey Rae, Goo Goo Dolls, Razorlights and Jamelia are expected to perform at the concert. Performing with them will be Freshly Ground, Arno Carstens, Cassette, Danny K, Goldfish, Jamali, Jozi, Soweto Gospel Choir, Just Jinjer, Prime Circle, The Parlotones, Vusi Mahlasela, Malaika, Loyiso, Louise Carver and Johnny Clegg.
The December 1st concert at the Johannesburg Ellis Park Stadium will be the first to be held on World Aids Day. Tickets are priced at R120. "I’m expecting an awesome show, and hoping to perform in front of multitudes with all the tickets sold out," said Loyiso.
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