The Solidarity Express presents The Solidarity Relief Concert.
Supported by the National Arts Council.
“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest; heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.” – Author Unknown
The world has changed, it cannot be denied. We have been propelled into a technical world way faster than we ever imagined. Through history music has played an integral part of the unification of souls all over the world. People are desperate for healing and an effective way to share the music that lifts our spirits and gives us hope. This concert aims to deliver this message of hope, unity and a feel-good healing factor to the world at large during these tough times. The songs talk of solidarity, human rights, harmony and tolerance amongst peoples and nations.
The concert introduces The Solidarity Express to a global audience in order to raise funds for South African grass roots artists left vulnerable by Covid-19. Funding is collated by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) into their Solidarity Relief Fund.
Music is a constant emotively evolving art that feeds the mind, heart and soul. It continues to play a key role in driving change and creating social cohesion and harmony. Music allows cross cultural collaboration and provides a voice for the powerless. The intention is to convey positive energy to a world in desperate need of healing and aims to spread a feel-good solidarity factor.
With the core group based in South Africa, this high energy, star-studded, multi-genre and multi-cultural musical offering focuses on sending a positive message of reconciliation and goodwill with like-minded artists and nations around the world.
The group includes Dan Chiorboli from The Liberation Project on percussion, Andre Kriel from The Black Cat Bones on guitar & vocals, Mpho Koopedi from The Muffinz on keyboards and vocals, Black Moses Ngwenya from the legendary Soul Brothers on Hammond organ, acclaimed Nigerian afrobeat star Femi Koya on saxophone & vocals, jazz and gospel solo artist Tebogo “AusTebza” Sedumedi on bass and vocals, in demand session drummer Peter Djamba originally from the DRC, young violin prodigy Neo Motsatse, Ann Masina from the Soweto Gospel Choir on vocals, young Malawian songstress Tamani Mbeya on vocals, Justin Sasman from Bombshelter Beast on trombone, tuba and accordion, our own local legend Cindy Alter from Clout on vocals and Jack Lerole Jnr on the penny whistle. Renowned poet Flo Mokale and Sean Brokensha “The Music Guru” will act as MC’s.
International Special Guests include ace UK producer and guitarist Phil Manzanera from Roxy Music and Pink Floyd fame, Cuban young guns Michel Herrera on saxophone & Fernando Galindo on vocals from the Madre Tierra Salsa Group in Havana and the “Jimi Hendrix of the kora” N’Faly Kouyate from Guinea in West Africa. This stellar international line-up is completed by two Italian superstars – Cisco Bellotti from the Modena City Ramblers and multi award-winning rock icon and rapper Jovanotti.
Local guests include Kobus de Kock Jnr from The Black Cat Bones in a unique Afrikaans / Spanish collaboration with the Cubans and SAMA Award Winners Qadasi & Maqhinga performing a specially written anti-rhino poaching song in a Zulu maskanda style with adventurer Kingsley Holgate from Project Rhino.
The concert will be broadcast on PlatformZA at 18:00 (SA time) on Sunday 27th September and will also include messages from supporters and documentary footage from stakeholders close to the project.
The concert is produced by Dan Chiorboli and Andre Kriel in association with Blond Productions.