On a mission to raise awareness of the plight of refugees on United Nations Human Rights Day, some of South Africa’s artists performed at NPO Turquoise Harmony Institute’s (THI) virtual charity music event, attracting over 20 million viewers through TV and social media accounts, said the media report.
Award-winning broadcaster Iman Rappetti, was the MC of the refugee concert which was broadcasted live at 19:30. Artists included South African singer and songwriter Yvonne Chaka Chaka, musician Pops Mohamed, Grammy Award-winning South African flautist, producer and composer Wouter Kellerman, as well as actress, writer and performance poet Lebogang Mashile.
“The Concert is an initiative to be held on World Human Rights Day to help South Africans and also people around the world become more aware of the situations refugees find themselves unwillingly forced into. There will be performances from local musicians and artists, playing tunes and instruments, an introductory video of stories of refugee women and children,” said THI.
THI Executive Director, Ayhan Cetin mentioned that the theme of this year’s concert based on the positive contributions made by refugees to South Africa. To drive this message there are set to be messages in the form of video clips of influential people supporting refugees and promoting social cohesion.
“The concert will be free of charge but we will ask for donations and all proceeds are to go directly to providing various services and support to refugees and other forcibly displaced people in South Africa,” said Cetin. He confirmed that funds collected during last year’s concert were donated to Three2Six Schools and The Universal Rights Association for the benefit of refugees and other forcibly displaced people.
Amnesty International South Africa, The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), The Nelson Mandela Foundation, The Southern African Music Rights Organization (SAMRO), Music in Africa (MUI), Horizon Educational Trust (HET), SOJAC, and The National Arts Council (NAC) are among the many collaborators for this years THI concert.
