SA virtual fest to raise funds for face masks

The free event will feature established and upcoming local acts from South Africa and the rest of the continent, including Batuk, Wanlov the Kubolor, Francois Van Coke & Die Gevaar, Toya Delazy, James Deacon, Hellcats, and Desmond and the Tutus, among others. All proceeds will go towards the #AfricaMasks4All campaign.

The initiative will seek to raise funds to distribute cloth masks to those who cannot afford them.

"As a non-profit company, AfricaMasks4All is raising funds to help make and distribute cloth masks to people who cannot afford one,” a statement reads. “With a very ambitious target of one million cloth masks, the NPC [non-profit company] is looking at innovative ways to raise money. As a result, several fundraisers are in the pipeline, with the first big drive being the #Music4Masks event.

"AfricaMasks4All director Grant De Sousa said: "Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Africa and the lockdown, there have been a number of very cool streams, but few of this duration and diversity. The artists are really going all out to make this a memorable event. While our main ambition is to raise funds for AfricaMasks4All, as an NPC, we want to be able to also give people a nice distraction while supporting a good cause.

“We’re very excited by our roster and the calibre of artists who have come forward to give their time and talent so generously. We have immense gratitude to all the artists that jumped on board to make this happen, our fantastic host Paul Snodgrass as well as our venue sponsor.”

Music4Masks will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook at 12pm. To contribute towards the cause, visit the BackaBuddy crowdfunding page.