South Africa: Nelson Mandela Rock Concert Called Off

Organizers on Friday canceled a planned AIDS benefit concert, to have been hosted by former South African President Nelson Mandela, citing problems with the producers. The concert, scheduled for Feb. 2 on Robben Island -- where Mandela was imprisoned for almost two decades by the apartheid regime -- was scheduled to feature top international acts such as Bono, Shaggy, Youssou N'dour, Macy Gray and Elton John. "The concert cannot take place since the proposed producers were not able to come to a satisfactory agreement with the Foundation," said John Samuel, chief executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Samuel thanked the international artists who were scheduled to perform for their support of the project. The daylong concert was to have been televised around the world, with all funds raised going to the foundation, UNAIDS and the Robben Island Museum.

Back to other CDC news for January 21, 2003

Previous Updates | Search the CDC archive