Bloggers Music

Written on October 18, 2007 – 10:39 pm | by Michael |

Big names in the music and entertainment business can be expected in Namibia when the World Peace Tour For Children (WPT4C) concert kicks off in Windhoek on April 22 next year.

Kool and the Gang, Whitney Houston or Beyoncé, Andreas Bocelli, Michael Jackson, and others may sign up next month to form part of this global initiative to raise funds and awareness about the plight of children around the world.

Other big names in show business dropped by President of the WPT4C initiative, Wolfgang Hildebrandt, on his second visit to the country yesterday, were Angeline Jolie - to possibly act as the director of ceremonies of the event - with Brad Pitt in tow, Billy Joel, Richard Gere, and Peabo Bryson who sang Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion. Another big name involved with the project is Ron Alexenburg who used to work with the Beatles.

A number of Namibian artists are also expected to form part of the first three hours of the 12-hour musical event.

Before the event, the Namibian group, Ongombe, will fly to Los Angeles where they will record an adapted version of Paul Simon’s Bridge Over Troubled Waters, which will be the Namibian ‘anthem’ for the event.

“We are every excited,” said an enthusiastic Hildebrandt, adding, “Everybody wants to come on board.”

The tour will start in Windhoek, and then go to South Africa to coincide with Nelson Mandela’s birthday in July, Afghanistan, Tokyo, India, London and New York.

“Namibia is the star of peace,” said Hildebrandt when asked why Namibia was chosen as the first stop for the concert.

Hildebrandt will again visit Namibia in November when he wants to organise an event in Zoo Park where people will be asked to do a five-minute stand-up for peace.

“I do not have time for blah, blah. We must make sure that children have a future because if they do not have a future, no-one has; that is the most important mission of the concert,” said Hildebrandt.

Hildebrandt was addressing school learners from Cosmos and Delta high schools, with the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Libertina Amathila, who welcomed the decision by the WPT4C organisers to have Namibia as the first venue for the coveted event.

Amadhila said the concert would contribute greatly to spreading the message of peace, compassion and hope for less privileged children in need of social understanding and help to realise their full human potential.

“Children are the future,” said Amadhila.

“Laying the foundation for their growth and development in an atmosphere of peace, compassion and tranquility is a basic requirement for all societies. Peace at home, at school, within the community and the world is a cry from all children of the world,” she said.

Amadhila said Namibia considers its children as the most valuable assets to sustain its way of life, and that the Government remains committed to ensure the full attainment of every child’s dreams, aspirations and intellect.

While Hildebrandt would not say exactly how much tickets to the concert would cost, he said some would be sold at a reduced price to allow for disadvantaged people to attend the event.

A big screen will also be set up outside the concert venue where those who still could not enter, can watch.

LTU and Air Namibia will fly in the stars.

Funds raised from the concerts will go to still-to-be-selected charity organisations.

[Via New Era]