COVID-19: This virtual concert campaign is bringing together African artists for charity

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on livelihoods across the African continent, with many communities and groups struggling to cope with the effects of the global health crisis. In response to this, a campaign called 'We Are One Africa' has been launched, aiming to provide support through a series of virtual concerts. Project Manager Andrew Alovey shared insights on the initiative in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. The primary objective of 'We Are One Africa' is to offer an African perspective on the coronavirus pandemic and address the pressing needs of the community. Recognizing the importance of credible platforms for sharing information and advice, the campaign leverages entertainment to engage with the youth population across the continent. By combining cultural music with critical health messaging, the initiative seeks to raise awareness about COVID-19 and promote safety measures among the public. Moreover, the campaign focuses on addressing the economic challenges faced by many individuals, such as the inability to afford essential hygiene products like sanitizers and masks. 'We Are One Africa' provides a structured platform for people to contribute donations, with the proceeds benefiting the less fortunate through Amref Health Africa, a humanitarian organization with a wide reach across 30 countries in Africa. The inaugural virtual concert, held on a Saturday, received an overwhelming response from viewers who tuned in to enjoy performances by African artists. The interactive sessions and giveaways, including a mobile phone and house rent payments for selected individuals, added an exciting element to the event. Andrew Alovey expressed his anticipation for future editions of the concert series, highlighting the positive impact of uniting artists for a charitable cause. When it comes to securing artists for the virtual concerts, Alovey emphasized the collaborative and charitable nature of the initiative. He noted that renowned artists have willingly participated in the campaign without insisting on monetary compensation, showcasing their support for the cause. The success of 'We Are One Africa' in engaging artists underscores the collective effort to leverage talent for the greater good. In terms of financial transparency, the organizers have partnered with an audit firm to ensure that all contributions are properly allocated to Amref Health Africa for humanitarian assistance. By maintaining clear oversight and accountability, the campaign aims to uphold integrity in its fundraising efforts and ensure that the donated funds are utilized effectively. Looking ahead, 'We Are One Africa' plans to host four more virtual concerts, with each edition scheduled for Saturdays. The overwhelming response from artists, brands, and philanthropists has prompted the extension of the campaign, showcasing the willingness of stakeholders to support the charitable cause. As the initiative remains adaptable to feedback and evolving needs, the organizers are prepared to adjust their approach based on the dynamic response from participants and partners. The 'We Are One Africa' campaign represents a collaborative effort to harness the power of music, culture, and philanthropy in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through unity and creativity, African artists are coming together to make a difference and drive positive change in their communities.