Turquoise Harmony Institute to host refugee concert

The event coincides with Human Rights Day and is courtesy of non-profit organisation Turquoise Harmony Institute (THI). It will also feature Tresor, Ertuğrul Erkişi and Buskaid with Lebo Mashile adding to the heavyweight line-up.. The music programme will be accompanied by a video presentation designed to capture the stories of refugees, with a particular focus on women and children.

The event seeks to create awareness about the challenges of refugees and other forcibly displaced people. THI held a similar event at the Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg last year. All proceeds from the event will be used to support refugees and other forcibly displaced people in South Africa.

“We are honoured to have such incredible musicians taking part in the concert and are calling on South Africans to enjoy a very special evening of music that’s devoted to one of the most urgent crises facing the world today,” THI executive director Ayhan Cetin said.

To make the event a success, THI has partnered the Music In Africa Foundation, the Southern African Music Rights Organisation, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Amnesty International SA, the Universal Rights Association, Horizon Education Trust, Time to Care SA, the South African Human Rights Commission, Buskaid, SOJAC, the National Arts Council of South Africa, Concerts SA, IKS Cultural Consulting, Refugee Social Services, Scalabrini, Soda Studios and the Three2Six Project.

“We are gratified that so many organisations and artists have answered the call to highlight the plight of refugees,” Cetin said. “This is a chance for the public to show that they stand with forcibly displaced people – globally and here in South Africa. We assure music lovers of an extraordinary experience that will remain in their memories for many years to come as well as a deeper understanding of the situation and difficulties suffered by refugees.”

Since its inception in 2006, THI has used the “culture of ubuntu to serve the people of South Africa and the world, propelled by a belief that the future of humanity must be built on a culture of coexistence, dialogue and tolerance.”

Free tickets to the concert are available here.