MC: Afua Cooper, Renowned Poet and Performer
THOMAS MAPFUMO & THE BLACKS UNLIMITED PERFORM AT HARBOURFRONT CENTRE CONCERT STAGE AUGUST 14TH –FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC
On Monday August 14th 2006, the XVI International AIDS Conference and Habourfront Centre will be hosting a free (no tickets required!) music concert at Harbourfront Centre’s Concert Stage beginning at 7:30 pm. The Strength of Africa music concert will blend modern & traditional African rhythms, patterns and melodies; from a'cappella to 'sinewy Malagasy guitar' to chimurenga (the Shona word for struggle). Diverse local talents of Soul Influence, Donné Roberts come together with the internationally renowned "Lion of Zimbabwe", Thomas Mapfumo and his band, the Blacks Unlimited, create a compelling music program aimed at connecting with audiences and promoting awareness on HIV/AIDS.
Opening The Strength of Africa concert starting at 7:30 pm will be Soul Influence, a young and talented a'cappella group comprised of seven young people from at least 4 African countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Soul Influence will be singing richly layered vocal harmonies, combining the intricate beat and rhythm of the motherland with the sounds and sentiments of sacred music.
Donné Roberts will continue the musical experience with his fusion of traditional African with contemporary influences of funk, rock and blues. In 1997, he produced Mama Africa, one of the largest and most unique African festivals to grace Russian culture. And, in 1998 he became the first black person to host a show on MTV Russia.
The concert will then feature Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited at 9:30 pm whose live shows are known to transfix their audience, taking them to his plane of musical spiritual possession. Responsible for blending traditional Shona mbira music with western instruments, Thomas Mapfumo’s lyrics tackle the injustices of apartheid, racism and colonialism. He established the musical style, chimurenga (the Shona word for struggle). He has become a national Zimbabwean hero by singing these songs to the Zimbabwean people about their culture and the challenges they face. Mapfumo has dedicated himself to raising awareness by singing about HIV/AIDS. He was the first Zimbabwean musician to sing and dedicate songs to a cause most people were afraid to address.
This event is free to the public and to the conference delegates alike, come join us in the Strength of Africa music concert where the audience will dance until the lights come on and go home smiling.
From 13-18 August, 2006, Canada will welcome the world to Toronto for the world’s largest International AIDS Conference. The AIDS 2006 Cultural Activities Programme (CAP), which has been named Viral Culture is using cultural forms of communication to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS issues. It is a host to a variety of events including this music concert throughout the week including; visual arts, literature, film and video, performance art and other innovative mediums of expression. For more information about cultural events and activities taking place during AIDS 2006 go
http://www.aids2006.org/culturalprog/.
