This show is part of a series of concerts to be held on the same day, around the globe, with many of the world’s most famous musicians performing. Fronted by Bob Geldof, the aim of Live 8 is to raise international awareness of the problems faced by many people in Africa, and to call for politicians to unite to improve their situation. With the world’s richest nations meeting for the G8 summit in Scotland on July 6-9th these shows will see millions of people around the globe coming together to call for complete debt cancellation, more and better aid and trade justice for the world’s poorest people.

Oumou Sangare has been committed to improving the social/political inequalities of millions of people throughout Africa. In 2003 Oumou was appointed Ambassadress of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) as part of their ‘struggle against famine.’ Thanks to her international fame and influence on her public, Oumou has been given the responsibility of making the public aware of the vast problems that Africa faces through her concerts and press conferences. In addition to being a hugely talented singer and songwriter Oumou Sangare is a greatly respected woman in West Africa, and in the west she is much admired for her ‘dedication to the cause.’

Senegalese maestros Orchestra Baobab have played a major part in bringing African music to a worldwide audience. Not only do they play to packed venues around the globe, but have also enjoyed critical success with their Specialist in All Styles album winning 2 BBC Radio 3 world music awards, and receiving a GRAMMY nomination in 2004. Baobab’s international status was confirmed when they were invited to play at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert last year. Their role as African musical ambassadors continued when the band were the subject of a VH1 special, where American stars Dave Matthews and Trey Anastasia from Phish travelled to Dakar to learn about the band, their music, and their culture.

The Johannesburg show is the only Live 8 concert to feature an entirely African line-up. In addition to Oumou and Baobab, other artists include veteran reggae artist Lucky Dube, and African pop group Malaika will join South Africa’s Mahotella Queens, Jabu Khanyile and Bayete, kwaito star Zola and Lindiwe from Zambia.