International artists to celebrate Mandela’s legacy in Johannesburg

The event, which takes place at the Joburg Theatre Complex in Johannesburg, will feature South African guitarist Vusi Mahlasela, Cuban bandleader Juan de Marcos Gonzalez (Buena Vista Social Club), Guinean kora player N’Faly Kouyate, Italian jazz singer Rossella Graziani, US percussionist and vocalist Cyril Neville (The Neville Brothers) and local rapper Stilo Magolide.

The concert will also host the Liberation Project Band comprising keyboardist and Giuseppe Cotumaccio (vocals), Neill Solomon (piano), Tebogo Sedumedi (bass), Dan Chiorboli (percussion), Peter Djamba (drums), Tony Cedras (trumpet), Keeran Eshwarlall (vocals, harmonium and bulbul tarang), Zoe Modiga (vocals) and Pu2ma Tiso (vocals) as well as a horn section led by Dan Selsick.

The organisers said the concert formed part of the Liberation Project, which is “driven from South Africa to celebrate, through music, the liberation struggles of people from various corners of the world”.

“Curated especially for Africa Month, the Liberation Concert is the first full-fledged South African production to involve artists from around the world,” they said.

NAC chief executive Rosemary Mangope said: “This is an exciting event, which is all the more special because it’s the first of its kind in South Africa. It is a true honour for the NAC to be involved, not only in partnering with the project and related events but with celebrating something as important and meaningful as Africa Month in the same year we celebrate 100 years of our beloved Madiba.”

The Liberation Concert coincides with the launch of the Songs That Made Us Free international collaborative album that was produced by Solomon, Chiorboli and guitarist Phil Manzanera.

In addition to the eclectic line-up, a workshop designed to impart skills and share knowledge with young people will take place ahead of the concert.

Tickets to the event are available via the Joburg Theatre official website.