Malian musician and singer Habib Koite to perform at Africa day

Now celebrating its 48th anniversary, Africa Day marks the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (now known as the African Union) on May 25 1963. Today, Africa Day serves as a day to celebrate African heritage, and showcase the continent’s history and culture through the arts.

Taking place at Newtown Park, Johannesburg, on 28 May, this vibrant party celebrates African talent, excellence and unity. The Africa Day concert will feature Senegalese legend BaabaMaal, world-renowned guitarist and vocalist HabibKoite of Mali, Olufemi from Nigeria, Namibia’s Elemotho, South Africa’s very own hip-hop maestro Tumi and the Volume, pioneer of the electrifying Durban Sound, Professor, the soulful Uju, gospel group The Soil and vibrant newcomer Toya.

Mali’s Habib Koite’s exquisite guitar styling reflects his heritage – he comes from a noble line of Khassonkégriots, traditional troubadours who provide wit, wisdom and musical entertainment at social gatherings and special events. Koite has carried this proud tradition through his music, contemporizing it by working in variations and updates which have earned him a position as one of the world’s most renowned African artists.

Jointly hosted by The City of Joburg’s Arts & Culture Directorate, the Johannesburg Development Agency, Gauteng Provincial Government, SABC 2 and the French Institute in South Africa (IFAS) and the French Embassy, the Africa Day concert promises to be a vibrant celebration of Africa’s musical diversity and spirit of unity. Kicking off at 16h00 at Newtown Park, the concert will be screened on SABC2 on Saturday, 28 May from 21h00.

Saturday 28 May from 4pm
Newtown Park, Johannesburg
free entrance
marie@ifas.org.za