NME News

Nelson Mandela to host AIDS benefit concert

U2

U2

Star-studded event will be held on World Aids Day

Nelson Mandela has announced that he will host an international concert to raise AIDS awareness among young people on December 1 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Previous concerts have attracted such notable artists as U2, Beyonce, Bob Geldof and Annie Lennox.

"I am very delighted that we are engaging the youth in schools, communities and through the media breaking the silence and stigmas around HIV and AIDS and making them realize that the power to beat the pandemic lies in their own hands," said Mandela at a press conference in Johannesburg today (October 1).

This will be the fifth in the series of concerts that has raised approximately $3 million for AIDS awareness to date. They have chosen to hold the concert on December 1 to mark World Aids Day.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
Find out more about NME.

Add your comment

Please sign in

Forgot your password?

Register with MyNME

Every Tuesday

  • Breaking News stories
  • All you need to know about the week's NME magazine
  • Live, Album and Track reviews
  • Tip offs about the most important Gigs
  • All the latest NME.COM video exclusives

Every Friday

  • NME.COM's free mini-magazine
  • Gig listings for the weekend
  • All the most important Album and Track reviews
  • The week's biggest News stories
  • Competitions - with exclusive music prizes
  • plus loads more!

In The Magazine

This Week's Issue
  • Breaking music news and award-winning photography
  • Exclusive interviews with the world's most exciting bands
  • In depth reviews of the week's most important music releases and live events
  • The UK's biggest gig listings guide
  • Subscribe today and get 1/3rd off NME