JOHANNESURG and DURBAN: Music is a universal language that can echo and create unity when people come together for a greater cause. The Arise Benefit Concert – Sisonke is proof of this, as it will be the biggest show of support and unity ever hosted by Africans, for Africans, on African soil.
The Arise Benefit Concert will see over 50 artists perform across two stages at Moses Mabhida Stadium and The Peoples Park in Durban, KZN in a collective effort to raise funds for the communities affected by floods in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of the Eastern Cape. It is set to take place on Saturday, 18 June 2022 with a line-up comprising of some of South Africa’s biggest multi-award and double platinum selling artists, including developing artists from the region, who have decided to join efforts with industry and donate their time and talent in the effort to raise R10 million for the benefit of the flood affected communities. When these artists were approached by the organizers, comprising of the NAC, CAPASSO, SAMRO, SAMPRA, RISA, SABC, CCIFSA KZN, Gearhouse, Mushroom Productions and Doo More Foundation, it was a no-brainer for all of them to raise their hands as a show of support and solidarity for the flood affected communities.
Two press conferences were hosted on 1 June at the AMPD Studios in Johannesburg and 2 June 2022 at the Durban Playhouse in Durban, where the exciting full line-up of the entertainers was revealed and some of their voices were heard on why they RAISED THEIR HAND to stand with the industry partners to assist the affected communities through their time and talent.
Some of the artists who were in attendance during both conferences included ZuluBoy, Thobekile, Dr. Buselaphi, Mercy Pakela, Zakwe, Sparks Bantwana, Bullistic, DJ Kotini, Bhar, Qhosha, Sosha, Xola Mthimkhulu and 757 just to mention a few. Award winning rapper Zuluboy highlighted the challenges that artists face in present times, such as depression, but that they also fail to rise to the occasion when it comes to rebuilding. “We must not wait for government but take the initiative. Healing ourselves must start with ourselves. He challenged artists to respond to addressing human settlement challenges caused by the floods, by rebuilding houses for those in need and say ‘one artist one house’.”
The legendary Mercy Pakela said: “Njengomuntu ngizwile ukuhlukumezeka komuntu because of natural causes. This made me raise my hand to use my talent to heal and give back to those in need during this difficult time. I have also been touched by how the arts industry (artists and organisations) have joined together to support those in need. A successful nation and sector is defined by being able to unite in times of need.” Gospel artist Thobekile thanked the collective effort by all involved “Asithandaneni, sibambaneni.”
Dr. Buselaphi added: “I also raised my hand as the Doctor of Maskandi and wish to express my condolences to the families who lost their loved in this natural tragedy. I want to appeal to all the politicians and private sector to dig deep into their pockets and contribute to this noble cause.”
CAPASSO board member, Tshepo Nzimande echoed the sentiments about the unity of the industry shown in putting together this concert and noble initiative like this. He thanked the arts industry for coming together and urged all musicians whom have raised their hands to support this cause to give it their all with spectacular performances on Saturday 18th June during the concert and thanked them for donating their time. Dr. Sipho Sithole, NAC Council Member, also shared the unequivocal support shown by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr. Nathi Mthethwa, when he was briefed by the National Arts Council about the concert.
Please see the full list of confirmed artists, who will perform at the Main Stage and who have RAISED THEIR HAND and will be performing at the Arise Benefit Concert:
1. Zonke
2. AKA
3. DJ Tira
4. Msaki
5. Sjava
6. Big Zulu
7. DJ Happygal
8. Zakwe
9. Zuluboy
10. Sipho Hotstix Mabuse
11. Professor
12. Teboho Moloi
13. DJ Sobz
14. Sparks Bantwana
15. Nduduzo Makhathini
16. Mafikizolo
17. Thandi Ntuli
18. Big Nuz
19. Bullistic
20. Togata
21. Zaba
22. Khuzani
23. Dr Buselaphi
24. Zulu Messengers
25. Sosha
26. Thobekile
27. Igcokama Elisha
28. Oswenka
29. Qhosha
30. Dumi Mkokstad
31. Jumbo
32. Kyos
33. Mercy Pakela
34. L’vovo
35. DJ Boonu
36. Mbuso Khoza & The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra
The Doo More Foundation will soon be publishing the list of artists that will perform at People’s Park, which amongst other artists will have the Grammy-award winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Both the stadium and the People’s Park will be turned into a vibrant cultural precinct where vans will be able to move in between the two stages. Visitors can expect additional cultural activities within the precinct and experience Durban for what it is known for.
As it is now, multitudes of people and fans will descend on the City of Durban to show their solidarity and support for the people of KZN and Eastern Cape.
Tickets go live from 3 June 2022 and are available for purchase at Ticket Pro for R100 (Stands), R150 (Stadium Pitch) and R200 for the Golden Circle. Ticket holders will be able to move between two stages, at Moses Mabhida and People’s Park.
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