World AIDS Day, on 1 December, will see at least fifteen big names in South African music grace the stage for one of the world biggest music events, the 4664 HIV and AIDS Awareness Concert.

Former president Nelson Mandela, wearing his black Madiba shirt with a 46664 emblem, made a public appearance at Ellis Park stadium on Monday to announce the performance line up for the upcoming concert to be held in Johannesburg.

The concert will be the fifth 46664 event to be staged at points across the world.

The fundraiser, which was named after Mr Mandela’s prison number on Robben Island, has been made possible through the support of the City of Johannesburg.

Seasoned South African performers such as Johnny Clegg, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Just Ginger and rocker Arno Carstens and hot new acts such as rock bands, The Parlotones and Cassette and Jamali are expected to perform.

Other locally nominated artists include, Danny K, Goldfish, Jozi, Louise Carver, Loyiso, Malaika, Prime Circle and Vusi Mahlasela, Arno Carstens, Cassette, Johnny Clegg, Just Jinger and The Parlotones.

On his involvement in the 46664 concert, Arno Carstens said: “We are extremely proud to participate in Mr Mandela’s global AIDS awareness campaign. We thank him for including us in the line-up.”

Jazz legend, Vusi Mahlasela said he felt honoured for being chosen to perform in the concert. “It is indeed a great honour to be involved as an ambassador for Tata Madiba’s 46664 campaign.

“As a young and fragile democracy, we still have many pressing social issues and this shows that if we can do anything to raise further awareness around the HIV and AIDS, we will conquer the disease.”

The announcement earlier this month has also brought news of global support from a host of international artist including Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Corinne Bailey Rae, Razorlight, Ludacris, the Goo Goo Dolls and Jamelia.

Tickets will range from R140 to R450 and about 50 000 people are expected to witness the concert, which will include about 35 international and local artists. The show will be broadcast live on SABC.

The 46664 campaign is a South African based independent non-profit-entity owned by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

The foundation’s aim is to raise awareness of the fight against the global HIV and AIDS pandemic. R20 million has been raised from similar concerts and allocated to various projects.

Previous 46664 concerts have taken place in Cape Town and George in South Africa and in Spain and Norway abroad.

Mr. Mandela recently announced on his birthday that a 46664 Concert would be held in London on 27 June 2008 (Luyanda Makapela).

Molo Says:“It’s so great that 46664 will make its mark internationally!

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