THE National Arts Council (NAC), in partnership with the SABC, is planning to raise R10 million to support flood victims in KZN.
The money will be raised through the Arise Benefit Concert, scheduled to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 18 June.
This was announced on Tuesday, 10 May, at a media launch in Auckland Park, Joburg.
The initiative is supported by industry organisations including the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa, Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) and Gearhouse SA.
Event organiser Dr Sipho Sithole said: “A wide consultation with the sector was done to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive list of artists across genres agreed upon. A total of 34 artists have raised their hands and made themselves available to perform at the Arise Benefit Concert.”
NAC chairwoman Princess Celenhle Dlamini said: “All we have is our art and cultural currency, which is our artistic community we serve. So, it was natural that our contribution could be made possible through bringing together various arts industry organisations, artists, public and private sector to create this line-up, that we hope will bring hope, joy and healing to all the victims.”
ALSO READ : Winner’s threatening to sue UKhozi FM!
According to Dlamini, all “proceeds of the concert and monetary pledges would be given to the charity organisations agreed upon by the parties and eThekwini Municipality”.
Samro chairman Nicholas Maweni said: “Throughout history, musicians have been the voice of those in need. And in South Africa, today there is no greater need than that of those affected by the catastrophic floods in KZN and Eastern Cape. Samro is proud to be part of this initiative to raise awareness and garner aid for those impacted, and support our members in being their voice.”
SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe said the corporation was the link to various businesses and stakeholders who could assist during a disaster such as this one.
“The concert is aimed at raising funds to alleviate the catastrophic that befell KZN citizens is yet another opportunity for the SABC to positively impact our communities through our mandate, to ensure that vulnerable citizens are supported,” added Mxakwe.
The concert will see the likes of AKA, Babes Wodumo, Big Nuz, Zonke, Big Zulu, DJ Tira, Dladla Mshunqisi, Zakes Bantwini, Dumi Mkokstad, Igcokama Elisha, Jumbo, Khuzani Mpungose, Kwesta, Mafikizolo, Mbuso Khoza with KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and Naima Kay.
