Johannesburg - After weeks of tension caused by the xenophobic attacks in Durban and Joburg, Africans from all over the continent came together at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein for two days to celebrate Africa Day.
On Friday and Saturday night, some of the continent’s top musicians led a celebration of Africa’s achievements through song and dance.
Headlined by award-winning South African artists Ringo Madlingozi and Lira, the two shows also paid special tribute to Nigerian Afrobeat maestro Fela Kuti.
Africa Day is officially celebrated annually on May 25 to commemorate the founding in 1963 of the Organisation of African Unity, forerunner to the African Union (AU). The day serves to acknowledge the progress the continent has made in the development of its people and reflects on the challenges that confront its member states on the global stage.
The AU’s vision of Africa is of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena”.
The line-up at the Joburg Theatre shows also included Lura from Cape Verde, Nigerian-born Femi Koya and Ghanaian-born New York resident Abena Koomson, who showed the rest of the world what unity could do to affirm the continent’s vision to create a better life for all.
This special weekend showcased the richness of the continent’s rhythms, dance and song, said theatre spokeswoman Collette Dawson.
The public is invited to the Africa Day celebrations on Sunday at the University of Pretoria, Mamelodi Campus. Visit joburg.org.za
The Sunday Independent