Africa Day Celebrations
25 May 2020 is the furthest thing from a “blue Monday” as it marks Africa Day. 57 years ago on this day, the Organisation of African Unity was formed. Today it is known as the African Union (AU) and its mission to achieve holistic African independence continues. Today, talent from the continent and Afrophiles from beyond are joining forces to give us all a good time with the ultimate end of doing good for those in need. Here are some highlights that you can tune into from wherever you are.
The Kindness Contagion
The Kindness Contagion is a collective of 26 African artists who have been tasked to produce a song and video as a celebration of Africa Day and as a fundraiser for artists who have suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Working in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Human Innovation Project and other partner organisations are the likes of Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Johnathan Butler, Vusi Mahlasela, Elida Almeida and other top African artists. They have produced an offering from Africa to the world, which is a “call to action for all to heal the world together based on our common humanity”. The chorus of talent has decided against fixating on hygiene and social distancing and opted to advance a truly pan-African message by producing notes rooted in African values of generosity, sharing, friendship and unity. Do donate, download and share.
17:00- 19:00 (CAT)- Africa Day Solidarity Concert for the Covid-19 Response Fund
The African Union COVID-19 Response Fund aims to raise resources to strengthen the continental response to COVID-19. Namely “by supporting pool procurement of diagnostics and other medical commodities by Africa CDC for distribution to the Member States, and mitigating the pandemic’s socio-economic and humanitarian impact on African populations.” Thus the AU has partnered with, media house, Trace to broadcast a 2-hour virtual concert which will be hosted by Eddie Kadi, Chidinma and Cameroonian television host and entrepreneur, Pamela Happi. Expect to see Salif Keita, Betty G, 2face Idiba, Busiswa, Pape Diouf, and many more at the Africa Day 2020 #StrongerTogether Solidarity Concert.
18:00- 20:00 (CAT)- Africa Day Benefit Concert at Home
The ticket with the most star-spangled cast is the “Africa Day Benefit Concert at Home”. ViacomCBS Networks Africa and YouTube in partnership with Idris Elba will be bringing viewers a 2 hour special Africa Day Benefit Concert to mark the day and help raise much-needed funds for vulnerable children and families in Africa affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Viewers around the world can look forward to enjoying musical legends like Salif Keita and Angelique Kidjo, alongside other superstars like Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Diamond Platnumz, Sho Madjozi, AKA, Nasty C, Sauti Sol, Yemi Alade, Fally Ipupa, StoneBwoy, Teni, and many more.
18:00- 02:00 (CAT)- Promoting Africanism in Belize
For the first time ever, the Caribbean state of Belize will be celebrating Africa Day. Organised by Sharon Palacio, founder of BelAfrika Travel and Tours, and Youth for World Peace (YWP), the event theme is “Promoting Africanism: Changing the Narrative, Connecting the Dots using Tourism as the Platform… From Pessimism to Optimism”. The hopes are to stimulate a cultural re-orientation that engages in attitudinal change, recreational and promotion of unique African cultural values. Residents of the North Eastern Caribbean Island will enjoy their fill of African fashion, food, music, drumming and dancing along Mamie Apple Street in Belmopan. All activities will be streamed live on Sharon Palacio’s page.
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