The Mo Ibrahim Foundation will hold an invite-only concert at the Kigali Convention Centre on Sunday, April 29, featuring artistes such as Kenyan afro-pop band Sauti Sol and Senegalese singer/percussionist Youssou NDour. The concert will begin 6pm local time, and will be live streamed on the Mo Ibrahim Concert website and Facebook page. Sauti Sol, formed originally as an acappella group in 2006 in Nairobi, has gained a considerable global following with its combination of afro beats and soft vocal melodies. The band will perform their newest hits from their LP Afrikan Sauce, which is being released through singles dropped monthly. According to the band’s website, “Afrikan Sauce is the group’s first ever collabo-only project,” featuring “a fusion of neo-pop vibes and rich African sounds from around the continent that speak truth to what love, life and Africa is.” Sauti Sol has received numerous awards including the MTV EMA Best African Act in 2014. The group was the first African group to be nominated for a BET Award in 2015. Collaborations include current hit Melanin with Patoranking and Afrikan Star featuring Burna Boy, both Nigerian artistes. Also performing will be Senegalese legend Youssou NDour, whose blend of traditional mbalax and a wide array of international musical influences has earned him longstanding international fame. In 2004, Rolling Stone called NDour “perhaps the most famous singer alive” in much of Africa. Other performers include Peter Okoye of rhythm-and-blues duo P-Square, and local artistes Mani Martin, Phionah Mbabazi, rapper Riderman and female music duo Charly na Nina. According to a statement on the Mo Ibrahim Concert Twitter page, the purpose of the concert is to bring together “iconic and brand new talents from across the continent.” The concert will be the final event of this weekend’s Ibrahim Forum, led by businessman and philanthropist Mohammed Ibrahim. This year’s forum will focus on public services and effective leadership in 21st century Africa, with speakers from many areas servicing the public throughout the continent. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
