2nd Annual AFRiCAN AIDS AWARENESS CONCERT

in honor of FELA ANiKULAPO - KUTi

*PRESS RELEASE FOR ALL MEDIA INQUIRIES *

African Shrine Entertainment Productions &
The Foundation for Democracy in Africa
in collaboration with
C.O.U.M.B.A. Foundation, Inc.,
presents the
2nd Annual AFRiCAN AIDS AWARENESS CONCERT
in honor of FELA ANiKULAPO - KUTi


August 2nd 2005 12pm-10pm
@ KALAKUTA REPUBLIC,
Gbemisola Street, Ikeja Lagos.
Fela's Compound Eviron.

August 6th 2005 12pm-8pm
@ CADMAN PLAZA PARK
(Downtown) Brooklyn, NY

October 15th 2005 12pm-8pm
(Undisclosed location)
Washington, DC



New York-based entertainment company, African Shrine Productions and Washington DC-based, The Foundation for Democracy in Africa, in collaboration with DC-based, C.O.U.M.B.A. Foundation Inc, will present a series of free concerts in remembrance of the death of Nigerian bandleader and political activist, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. The first installment will be held at Fela's home in Ikeja Lagos on the 2nd of August 2005.  The next concert will be held in Brooklyn, New York on the 6th of August 2005. African Shrine also plans to celebrate Fela's birthday (Fela Day) with the concert series finale on the 15th of October 2005, in Washington, DC. In a statement issued by African Shrine CEO, Ogugua Iwelu, he explains:  "The series is an effort to help increase HIV/AIDS awareness in Africa and America."

"The concerts will create the unique opportunity for concertgoers to interact and have direct access with health institutions in a conducive, Pan-African musical environment," says Mr. Iwelu, "It will also provide a day of activities for people of all ages and social background, through medical awareness presentations and services." In New York, Fela artist Lemmy Ghariokwu and renowned artist Jack Warren are expected to assist a group of inner-city youths in creating two murals about AIDS to be auctioned at a later date.  Along with a broadcast of live footage from the Lagos concert, special guest musicians and deejays are expected to perform at the New York venue.

Through the FDA, proceeds from the New York concert will be donated to support the work of The House of Nanny, a charitable initiative to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on orphans and their caregivers, who are negatively impacted by HIV/AIDS.

INVITED PERFORMERS

Lagos:

Seun Anikulapo Kuti & The Egypt 80 Band; 2-Face; 2-Shotz; Faze; Sultan Sound; Black Faze; Daddy Showkey; Asha; Dare Art Alade; Danfo Driver; Zulezu; African China; Gabby; Dr. Fresh; Tony One-Week; Edris Abdul Kareem; Ruggedman; Ara; P-Square; Paul I.K. Dairo; Tony Nnaji; Azadus; & More

New York:

Afrobeat: Kaleta, Wonderland Afrobeat Orchestra, Showboy, Felix Ugo, Azuka of Africa, Oluko Imo, Asiko, Nameless Femme, Akoya, Kola Ogunkoya; Dr. Ikwunga Wonadi Dead Prez M1, Sandra Isidore; Chant: Baba Jagun; Reggae: Empire Isis, Majek Fashek, Yotashi; Jazz: Randy Weston; Juju: Kofo Wonderman; Soul: Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Roy Ayers, Jeremiah, Somi, Brian J & The Pimps of Joytime, Masauko Chipembere, Les Nubian, Contra Mano

Guest Disc Jockeys: DJ Funmi; DJ Rich Medina; DJ Natural; DJ Eddie; DJ Adrieanna; DJ Soul Selector; DJ Stone; DJ Babaloo


SPECIAL INVITED GUESTS

Senator Afikwuyori; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Governor Hammed Tinubu; Governor Gbenga Daniels; Gani Adams; King Sunny Ade; Wanle Akingbogboye; Nike Ransome Kuti, Esq.; Festus Eyamo, Esq.; Charlie Boy; Femi Falana, Esq.; Tunji Kuboye; Aki & Paw Paw; Lemi Gariokwu; Ramsey Noah; Stella Damascus Aboderin; Desmond Elliot; Genevieve Nnaji; Ibinabo Fiberesima; Dotun Ransome Kuti, MD; Tunji Braithwaite; Kenny Ogungbe; Hakmeed; Alex Obosi; Olisa; Funmi Iyanda; Yinka Craig; Omotola; Femi Femi; Greg Fiberesima; & More

Who is Fela Anikulapo-Kuti?

By the year 1972, Fela Kuti had become one of the biggest stars in West Africa both musically and politically. Having launched the Nigerian-based Afro-Beat band Afrika 70 (which was later renamed Egypt 80), his music not only addressed the many issues facing African Anglophone countries but it also later served to bridge the gap between Africans and African-Americans. Using broken English and a West African fusion of conscious pop lyrics, jazz and funky African dance rhythms, Fela spent most of his life championing the rights of the common man in songs denouncing the corruption and brutality of Nigeria's military and civilian rulers. Fela was the first known African celebrity to openly die of an AIDS related illness in 1997.


Who is The Foundation for Democracy in Africa?

Event co-producer, The Foundation for Democracy in Africa is a development organization committed to promoting democracy, sustainable development and economic growth throughout Africa.  Founded in 1994, FDA is a Washington, DC-based, non-profit, 501(c)(3), non-governmental, non-partisan institution with offices in Miami, Florida. In 1996, the Foundation was granted consultative status (special) as a non-governmental organization (NGO) with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). FDA is also registered with the US Agency for International Development as a Private Voluntary Organization (PVO).

Who is C.O.U.M.B.A. Foundation?

C.O.U.M.B.A.  is a not-for-profit organization with the aim of raising global awareness through the international languages of music and art.  With the support of other organizations with a similar purpose, the organization is bringing together international and local artists in support of charitable and important causes affecting all communities, with the ultimate goal of creating hope, raising money and expanding cultural knowledge and acceptance.

Honorable mention goes to Coumba Makalou, Founder and Executive Director of the C.O.U.M.B.A. Foundation, Inc. (Conscientious Organization Using Music to Bring Awareness) for prompting the partnership and co-sponsorship.


Fred Oladeinde, President
The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA)
1612 K Street NW
Suite 1104
Washington DC 20006
Phone: 202-331-1333
Fax: 202-331-8547
Email: info@democracy-africa.org
www.democracy-africa.org

Coumba Makalou
Founder and Executive Director
C.O.U.M.B.A. Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 3321
Washington DC 20033-3321
Tel: 202-436-4438
Fax: 360-838-5574
email: coumba@COUMBA.com
www.COUMBA.com

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Fela for President! 

African Shrine Entertainment Productions & The Foundation for Democracy in Africa. If you have any questions and or would like to cover the event for your publication you may contact media consultant Sowore Omoyele, 347.489.3765 or sowore@hotmail.com.