Watch FNB’s Africa Day concert

The programme is put together in commemoration of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963. This year’s Africa Day celebrations are running under the theme Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want in appreciation of the contributions of artists towards Africa’s development and image. The organisers say that the showcase aligns with their vision of projecting unity, diversity and talent.

Yaw Tog, the teenage drill sensation and BET Amplified International Artist for April, and Cina Soul, who is behind well-received local hits including ‘Ojorley’, ‘00:01' and ‘Die 4 U’, will contribute at-home performances alongside Namibia’s DJ Alba, PDK and Top Cherri, eSwatini acts Sands and Velemseni, Botswana’s Khoisan and Mophato Dance Theatre, and Lesotho’s Ntate Stunna, DJ Allegro and Botala ba Linar.

“We are excited to have Velemseni and Sands join this pan-African collaboration, where FNB is bringing a mix of authentically African music, song, dance and cultural performances that showcases the beauty of our diversity while recognising and celebrating African unity,” FNB eSwatini chief marketing Officer Zethu Dlamini said. “As we navigate how we engage, and find a better normal, we are pleased to again journey with these phenomenal artists for this virtual Pan-African experience and look forward to supporting more local artists as the industry recovers from what has been a tumultuous period.”

“Being African inspires my art in the sense that we can take different African genres and create a completely different genre,” DJ Alba said about her craft ahead of the concert. “That’s how rich in culture we are. We are trendsetters, a bursting pool of creativity and go-getters.”

Sands said: “I think as you grow, you become more passionate and involved with your music, and so that’s what they [audiences] can expect. I have really enjoyed performing in southern Africa and singing to crowds here. I can’t wait to interact with my fans again, in Africa and the rest of the world, the old and the new.”.

Velemseni added: “The Kingdom of eSwatini is a magical and mysterious place, and my music aims to interpret and document that mystique, drawing from genres like Swazi gospel, soul, African soul, cinematic and traditional music.”

Watch the concert below: