Idris Elba to host Africa Day Benefit Concert at Home

The two-hour show will broadcast on the MTV Base Africa YouTube channel at 6pm CAT. It seeks to raise funds to help families and children in Africa who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Artists scheduled to perform include Angélique Kidjo (Benin), Fally Ipupa (DRC), Burna Boy (Nigeria), Toofan (Togo), Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Sho Madjozi (South Africa), Sauti Sol (Kenya), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) and others.

Elba, who was diagnosed with COVID-19 in April, said the concert was an opportunity to highlight "African arts for the benefit of Africa and its people."

"A continent of this size should find a way to dig deep and stand up for each other at a time like this. This is important for the future and history will not forget it," he said.

YouTube managing director for emerging markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Alex Okosi, said: "Music is a powerful tool that brings Africans together and the Africa Day Benefit at Home is a great way to bring people together and support a great cause."

The vice-president of ViacomCBS Networks Africa, Monde Twala, said: "The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the livelihoods of millions of people across the continent and will require a massive collaborative effort if we are to succeed.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, several initiatives have been launched to support the efforts of African governments and the World Health Organisation  in the fight against the virus. 

At the weekend, 82 African artists, comedians and sports stars took part in the Africa at Home online concert organised by Canal+ and Universal Music Africa.

Africa Day Benefit Concert at Home will take place on the same day as the #IAmWAN virtual event, which will also feature Angélique Kidjo as well as Fatoumata Diawara, Salif Keita, Oumou Sangaré, Dobet Gnahore, Youssou N'dour and Baaba Maal, among many others.