There's another chance to wish Nelson Mandela happy birthday, with an all-African concert planned for Jozi, featuring musicians from across the continent.

Jimmy Dludlu will be performing at the 23 August concert

NELSON Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations are being extended, with a concert planned for Joburg, his official home town, next month.

The all-Africa concert is hosted by the Department of Arts and Culture in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Taking place on Saturday, 23 August at the Johannesburg Stadium from 11am onwards, it would be "great fun", according to Minister of Arts and Culture Pallo Jordan.

Details were announced at a press briefing at the Mandela Foundation on 29 July.

Inclusive
"We have chosen a concert because it is much more democratic," Jordan said. Television coverage will enable every South African to see the concert.

According to Achmat Dangor, the chief executive officer of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, it was still inundated with requests from the public to host various events in celebration of Mandela's life.  "It is [therefore] specifically a South African celebration."

The most important aspect for his department was that the event should be "joyous and celebratory, and inclusive", Jordan added.

Confirmed artists include South Africans Jonas Gwangwa, Jimmy Dludlu, Danny K, Karen Zoid, Jae, Jozi and Gang of Instrumentals, and South Africa's youngest rising star, violinist In-Cha.

Senegalese singer and guitarist Baaba Maal, jazz singer Dorothy Masuka from Zimbabwe and Congolese singer Kampi Moto have also confirmed they will perform, adding to the authentic all-Africa flavour.

"We cannot think of a better way to celebrate the life and legacy of this great son of the African soil," Jordan said.

Mandela and his extended family will attend the concert. Ticket prices are yet to be confirmed, but Jordan promised that they would not cost more than a ticket to a soccer game.

All proceeds will go the Nelson Mandela Foundation and its charities.

Mandela was born in the Transkei on 18 July 1918. His official residence is in Houghton, Johannesburg. 

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