SA: National Arts Council to host concert for KZN flood victims

The Arise Benefit Concert seeks to raise an estimated R10m ($620 000) through ticket sales for people who were affected by the KwaZulu-Natal floods and landslides in April. The environmental catastrophe killed nearly 435 people, with more than 50 still missing. More than 120 000 people were affected, while nearly 17 000 houses were destroyed leaving about 7 000 people in shelters.

According to Premier Sihle Zikalala, a R1 billion relief fund set aside will not suffice to address the extent of the damage and devastation caused by the floods.

The concert, which aims to attract about 20 000 fans, will feature more than 30 artists including AKA, Babes Wodumo, Zonke, Big Nuz, Thandi Ntuli, Big Zulu, Kwesta, Mafikizolo, Sjava, Sipho Mabuse and Zakes Bantwini. An additional 17 artists will perform on a parallel stage within the stadium precinct courtesy of DJ Boonu’s Doo More Foundation.

“Firstly, as the National Arts Council, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all families who have lost their loved ones through this devastating period, as well as those injured and who have lost so much,” NAC chairperson Celenhle Dlamini said. “We cannot even begin to imagine the grief, suffering and despair that the communities affected by these floods are enduring. As an organisation, all we have is our arts and cultural currency, which is the artistic community that we serve.”

SAMRO chairperson Nicholas Maweni said: “Throughout history, musicians have been the voice of those in need, and in South Africa today there is no greater need than that of those affected by the catastrophic floods in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. SAMRO is proud to be part of this initiative to raise awareness and garner aid for those impacted, and to support our members in being their voice.”

SAMPRA CEO Pfanani Lishivha said they were proud to be part of “this selfless project whose sole objective is to assist affected families and communities to rebuild and recover from the devastating floods.”

CAPASSO CEO Jotam Matariro echoed Lishivha’s sentiments: “As South Africa’s music mechanical rights and licensing organisation, we pledge our support in aid to rebuild and assist through our organisation whose heart is founded by our composers, authors and publishers. The creative industry has united with the aim of supporting and coming to the aid of our people.”

Arise Benefit Concert line-up

• AKA
• Babes Wodumo
• Big NUZ
• Big Zulu
• Bullistic
• DJ Sobz
• DJ Tira
• Dladla Mshunqisi
• Dumi Mkokstad
• Igcokama Elisha
• Jumbo
• K-yos
• Khuzani
• Kwesta
• Lvovo
• Mafikizolo
• Mbuso Khoza with KZN Philharmonic Orchestra
• Naima Kay
• Professor
• Phuzekhemisi
• Qhosha
• Sjava
• Sipho Mabuse
• Sosha
• Sparks Bantwana
• Thandi Ntuli
• Teboho Moloi
• Thobekile
• Zaba
• Zakes Bantwini
• Zakwe
• Zonke
• Zuluboy