Davido, Lady Zamar and Nasty C to take part in SA Youth Day concert

They will be joined by local artists Marcus Harvey, Holy Rey, Ayanda Jiya, Vigro Deep and Focalistic. The event is courtesy of MTV Base and the Gauteng department of sport, arts, culture and recreation. It will be hosted by local social media personality Lasizwe Dambuza and MTV Base VJs Tshego Koke and Ntandose.

The event seeks to commemorate the Soweto youth uprising of 16 June 1976. The uprising spread countrywide and changed the socio-political landscape in South Africa. It ended tragically with hundreds of young people killed by the apartheid government when they protested against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of educational instruction.

“The 16th of June is a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history and is an important time to reflect on the significant contributions of youth in our country,” the senior vice-president and general manager of ViacomCBS Networks Africa, Monde Twala, said.

“We have to understand where we come from to build a brighter future for ourselves. MTV Base is honoured to use the uniting power of music to celebrate and inspire young people."

Since the launch of MTV Base in South Africa 15 years ago, the channel has played a pivotal role in pioneering and creating innovative content for young people that is reflective of their realities.

"Youth Day is one of the most reflective days in Mzansi," Gauteng sport, arts, culture and recreation MEC Mbali Hlophe said. "Not only does it remind us of the power of young people, but the responsibility and potential a young mind truly possesses. Through the arts and sport, we are able to dispel the age-old song lyric, proving that youth is indeed not wasted on the young."

The organisers said the broadcast would feature special appearances by influential young South African activists and draw attention to key issues that the youth is facing today.