Pops Mohamed, Sibongile Khumalo, Gcina Mhlophe and Yvonne Chaka Chaka to celebrate World Refugee Day with concert
JOBURG – A Concert for Refugees to give voice to global refugee crisis.
A stellar array of iconic South African artists is giving voice to the global refugee crisis with an inaugural concert for refugees to be held at Johannesburg’s Linder Auditorium on 21 June.
Already confirmed for this unmissable event are Pops Mohamed, Sibongile Khumalo, Gcina Mhlophe and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) and Buskaid adding to the heavyweight line-up.
The music programme of jazz, Afro-pop and light classical music will be accompanied by a compelling photography exhibition and a video presentation that movingly captures the stories of refugees, with a particular focus on women and children.
The concert is being held to mark the United Nations’ World Refugee Day on 20 June which commemorates the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees. This year, the day also marks a key moment for the public to show support for families forced to flee – and the upcoming concert provides an excellent opportunity for South Africans to stand with refugees.
“We are honoured to have such incredible musicians taking part in the concert – and are calling on South Africans to enjoy a very special evening of music that’s devoted to one of the most urgent crises facing the world today,” said Ayhan Cetin, executive director of the Turquoise Harmony Institute (THI).
THI is spearheading the concert, working with partner institutions Samro, Universal Rights Association (URA), Horizon Education Trust (HET), Time to Care SA, South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), BUSKAID, Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF), Music In Africa (MIA) and Wits University.
“We are gratified that so many organisations and artists have answered the call to highlight the plight of refugees this World Refugee Day. This isa chance for the public to show that they stand with refugees – globally and here in South Africa,” Cetin said.
South Africa has more than a million asylum seekers and is home to the highest number of unresolved asylum cases in the world. Refugees in the country face issues of subsistence, shelter, protection against crime and eviction, and the ongoing threat of xenophobia.
Since its inception in 2006, THI has used the culture of Ubuntu to serve the people of South Africa and the world, propelled by a belief that the future of humanity must be built on a culture of coexistence, dialogue and tolerance. The organisation is guided by a vision of enhancing and developing social capital – through building personal relationships and networks in order to achieve mutual understanding. Among its multifaceted activities are The International Festival of Language and Culture and Dialogue and Friendship Dinners, as well as conferences, seminars and art and music-led initiatives.
“We assure music lovers of an extraordinary experience that will remain in their memories for many years to come as well as a deeper understanding of the situation and difficulties suffered by refugees,” said Cetin.
A Concert for Refugees 2019 will be South Africa’s first concert for refugees with all profits from the event reserved for providing service and support to refugees and other forcibly displaced people in South Africa. To be part of this night of music and compassion, you can purchase your tickets at Webtickets for R200.
