This year the greatly anticipated World Aids Day Gala Concert takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Thursday 1 December 2011 at 20:00.
Celebrating its 7th year, this formal dress event - with a touch of red - has a star studded line-up of guest artists that includes the director of this event Jimmie Earl Perry, an international recording artist, actor and the first UNAIDS Special Goodwill Ambassador to South Africa. He will be joined by the stunning Dutch X-Factor winner Sharon Kips, South Africa's pop sensation Vicky Sampson, Eddie Atherton, Wolfgang Riebe, Soli Philander (MC), Mike Campbell Rhythm Orchestra, Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo and a host of other inspiring and entertaining artists.
Presented by the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management at Stellenbosch University in partnership with the Western Cape Government Health, this joyous celebration honours unsung heroes, salutes individuals and organizations who have contributed to the fight against HIV/AIDS. It also commemorates the 23rd World Aids Day.
Since 2005 the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management at Stellenbosch University has hosted this significant event. Prof Jan Du Toit, Director of the Centre mentions the invaluable successes the Centre’s intensive programmes have made through education and prevention in businesses, schools and communities, and how imperative it is to recognize the critical role that the vulnerable and marginalized population play in the epidemic.
‘We need to invest in models of service delivery that reach these and all population groups and ensure equitable and quality services that are able to provide sustainable support to the most affected communities,’ says Professor du Toit.
‘For this reason we wish to acknowledge the Western Cape Government Health, our partner this year. Together we are able to heighten the awareness and implementation of the United Nations’ Millennium Goals of HIV education to minimize infections, prevention and treatment to all citizens of South Africa.’
Since its formation 10 years ago The Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management unit for teaching, research and community interaction has developed the most comprehensive and largest HIV/Aids management training programme in the world and the Educational Theatre and Arts division has attained unparalleled success with education, awareness, prevention and voluntary testing across the country under the leadership of Prof du Toit and Prof Jimmie Earl Perry.
In 2004 while performing in Germany as Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar, American born Jimmie Earl Perry was re-introduced to Prof Jan du Toit who enlightened him on the Africa Centre’s academic programme, the shocking facts of the pandemic in South Africa and shared his vision on how the Arts could make a great impact on the Africa Centre’s community mobilization programme. The result was Jimmie leaving his successful showbiz world the same year to take up the position of Visiting Professor and Director of Educational Theatre and Creative Arts at the Centre. Now proudly a South African, this multi-talented artist, who boasts Andrew Lloyd Webber as a former employer (12 years), is living his dream in service of others - opening minds through the arts in order to understand and accept HIV/AIDS as a reality and the responsibility of every human being in fighting the pandemic.
Amongst other artists featured at this Gala Concert are Vuyiseka Dubula, Nombeko Mpongo and Toni Zimmerman, three HIV positive women who have defied the stigma of Aids and are successfully living their lives helping others; Janelle Visagie and Arline Jaftha (Opera); an extraordinary group of young Jazz artists that include Sandile Gonstana, Chad Zerf, Amy Campbell, Spha Mdlalose, Vuyo Sotashe and others; a 20 voice strong youth choir directed by Lynette Petersen and Larry Joe who made headlines when he recorded his debut album ‘Crazy Life’ in Douglas Prison a year ago.
This impressive programme of classical, pop, adult contemporary work is also a platform for committed artists to perform in a professional environment in support of this cause. Along with Jimmie Earl Perry (director and producer) and the hilarious Soli Philander as host, they all bring an upbeat and dedicated presence to this one night only concert which is not to be missed. It is sold out every year - book now!
Tickets cost R120 and available from Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers outlets, and on line www.computicket.com or call 0861 915 8000.
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