Some of the biggest names in Africa’s music scene, including Nigeria’ Femi Kuti, Senegalese superstar Youssou N’Dour and Grammy-winner Angelique Kidjo, have taken part in a virtual concert to raise awareness about the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 100 artists and celebrities from across the continent and the diaspora performed in the WAN Show broadcast online by the Worldwide Afro Network and carried by 200 African channels on Monday to mark Africa Day.
The event which was modelled after the One World: Together At Home concert in April that brought together Lady Gaga, Elton John, Taylor Swift, the Rolling Stones and dozens of others playing from their homes.
The two-hour-long show was hosted by British actor and musician Idris Elba, who has recovered from COVID-19 – the highly contagious disease caused by new coronavirus – after testing positive earlier in March.
After COVID-19, Africa will be great, Africa will be strong. Together we are unbeatable,” Malian kora star and hip-hop artist Sidiki Diabate said at the launch of the star-studded concert.

Malian Afro-pop star Salif Keita, Congolese singer Fally Ipupa, Nigeria’s Wizkid, Femi Kuti, Senegalese rapper Awadi, Ivory Coast’s Magic System and Beninese singer Zeynab were among the stars performing from their living rooms, home studios or gardens, ending their songs with the line: “Together as one.”
“I am optimistic, culture is at the beginning and at the end of everything,” said N’Dour, noting the event aimed “first to raise awareness of the fight against the pandemic, but also to say that in many areas nothing will ever be the same again”.
And to add to the dignitaries, Former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also joined in, in his statement said “Africa is a continent of rich history, culture uniqueness and dynamism. Africa must rise above this as we have done with every previous challenge,” said Rawlings.

“Together as one I know we shall overcome and if music is the food of love let us play on.” Africa-News reports.