A CLIMATE OF CHANGE

Artist Project Earth [APE] presents A Climate of Change Concert for East Africa as part of the COP17 conference, on December 4, 2011.

The line-up for the Festival includes headliner and South African great, Johnny Clegg; renowned jazz artist Jimmy Dludlu, and world music group Jika Nelanga, with established acappella group Amaryoni opening the show, together with DJ Politburo sessions and special guests. The concert is open to delegates and the general public alike, and is billed as a ‘concert with an agenda’ with ticket proceeds going to APE’s dedicated East Africa Famine Relief.

Thousands of people are facing starvation in the Horn of Africa due to the relentless drought in the region. Ongoing food shortages are affecting southern Somalia and the refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia. APE has already given emergency funding to Mercy Corps, Merlin, Human Relief Foundation, Qaaf Aid and Action Against Hunger - but this is just a drop in the ocean, so APE is staging the Durban concert to raise further funds to provide humanitarian aid. Without doubt, the spectre of climate change is exacerbating the situation, undermining the chances for long-term recovery and resilience. Climate change is a global phenomenon but, sadly it is those least responsible who are most at risk from the effects.

“APE’s presence at COP17 enables us to link the ravages of famine with the reality of climate change” notes APE founder and American songwriter Kenny Young. “By attending the Climate of Change concert you can be an active part of the voices for change at COP17, whilst also helping us to fundraise for our Horn of Africa appeal.”

APE is best known in South Africa for their Rhythm Del Mundo releases, of which a fourth album will come hot on the heels of the concert: RDM Africa featuring top international artists such as Coldplay, Beyoncé, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, REM, Mumford and Son, Fleet Foxes, Aloe Blacc and many more – together with some of Africa’s finest musicians, including Toumani Diabate, Rokia Traore, Ali Farke Toure’s band and Amadou & Mariam. The album also features performances by top South African session musicians like Zamo Mbutho, Godfrey Mgcina, Stella Khumalo, Malebo and Lu Dlamini whose names can be found on countless South African albums. The album is also sold in aid of those suffering from the famine in East Africa.

The concert will be hosted on the Durban beachfront, from 15h00 and will play into the early evening. Tickets R200 booked at Computicket. Doors open at 14h00 with the first artist on stage at 15h30.