New date and expanded line-up for African Music Concert in Joburg

Following the history-defining concert this past weekend when he became the first local hip-hop artist to Fill Up the Dome, Cassper Nyovest has been invited to join the line-up for the upcoming African unity concert alongside over 20 other multi-talented artistes from across the continent.

Originally dubbed the South Africa Meets Africa (SMA) concert and scheduled for 24 October, the event was postponed when it was decided that it needed to incorporate artists from various other parts of the African diaspora, in order  to truly deliver the biggest African showcase to the people. As a result, what was initially planned to be merely an evening concert has transformed into a full day festival of African music, now dubbed the African Music Concert (AMC).

The final confirmed line-up will now be headlined by an even larger line-up of the continent’s biggest stars. From West Africa, Nigerian heavyweights Wizkid, Davido, Flavour, Burna Boy, Runtown and Darey will join compatriots Emmy G, DJ Snypes, DJ Neptune and DJ Spinall, along with Ghanaian hitmakers R2Bees, recently nominated for a 4Syte award in their home country.

From Central Africa, Wax Dey will fly the flag for Cameroon. From East Africa, the concert will see performances by Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania), Jose Chameleone (Uganda) and Victoria Kimani (Kenya). Lusophone diva Dama Do Bling (Mozambique) and Ary (Angola) will bring some spice to the stage, while Roberto (Zambia) and Simba Tagz (Zimbabwe) will represent the host nation's other regional partners.

Not to be outdone, the local contingent includes the cream in local talent randing from hip-hop and house to Afro-pop and gospel. The local line-up includes AKA, Anatii, DA L.E.S., Bucie, Uhuru, DJ Jawz, Major League DJz, Cashtime Family (consisting of Nomuzi, DJ Vigi, Kid X, MaE and Maggz), the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir and of course the man-of-the-moment Cassper Nyovest.

Unfortunately, the change in date has meant that some of the previously billed performers have been forced to drop out. These include KO (who will be ably represented by his crew Cashtime) and Nigerian diva Yemi Alade.

In just a few weeks, the colossal line-up of musicians from all corners of the continent will descend into the city of gold for one unforgettable day of festivities. Gates open at midday and the concert is set to kick off at 1pm. Metro FM’s Pearl Thusi and T’bo Touch will play host alongside Nigeria’s music industry pioneer Olisa Odibua. Tickets are on sale now via Computicket.