Africa Day Concert Returns, Unveils Idris Elba as Host

By Vanessa Obioha

The English actor and Golden Globe winner, Idris Elba, will be performing his hosting duties again at this year’s African Day Concert.

In a statement to announce the second edition of the concert, whose debut last year was necessitated by the ravaging coronavirus, MTV Base and YouTube said that the concert will shine the light on Africa’s next wave of talent that is making their mark on the global stage.

“I’m committed to shining a light on African culture, heritage and the arts. During a year when globally we have all had to reflect deeply on our purpose, I’ve taken inspiration from the continent with its diversity of voices, creativity and innovation,” said Elba.

The virtual concert will be a Pan African event featuring trailblazing African stars from across the continent. Artists will perform on multiple stages from Lagos to Johannesburg in an event that will be streamed to a global audience on YouTube and broadcast on MTV channels.

The concert will also shine a light on the leaps in innovation being made by Africans, those who are redefining the narrative of a continent and the exchange of music, creativity and cultural ideas that are taking the world by storm.

“The past year has been an unprecedented one for all of us and it is a tremendous inspiration to see how our African artists and Africans on the continent and globally are lighting the way through creativity, collaboration and innovation. MTV through music, culture and active citizenship unifies and strives to mobilise the youth to drive hope and positive change,” remarked Senior Vice-President and General Manager at ViacomCBS Networks Africa, Monde Twala.

“With African music continuing to connect and inspire people around the world, the timing is perfect to shine the spotlight on the next wave of African artists that will make a global impact on music and culture,” added Managing Director of Emerging Markets Europe, the Middle East and Africa at YouTube, Alex Okosi.

Lined-up artists will be unveiled in the weeks leading up to the Africa Day Concert. The concert is scheduled for May 25.