“Expo 2020 Dubai is a testament of collaboration, and we are here to celebrate the beautiful colours and flavours of Africa” remarked African Union Commissioner General for Expo 2020 Dubai, Dr. Levi Uche Madueke.
Setting the scene as an impressive line-up of leading African stars rocked the Jubilee Stage on Sunday 27 February 2022.
A concert that honoured the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the African Union, as members of the Diaspora enjoyed a taste of home, at Expo 2020 Dubai. Showcasing the best in African song and dance, as concert goers stomped their feet to the rhythm and vibe late into the night.
“Let the beat go on!” said Dr. Madueke, as he highlited that the evening was a further sign of African unity through the creative arts.
“To our incredible line up of artists, for being true ambassadors of African culture, thank you. You have taken to heart our call and tonight, you are here to give a taste of what has propelled you to the top of the global charts,”
“May we all have a good evening, a time to create new memories and most importantly, a time for you all to be closer to the motherland, through our music” he concluded, as he opened the stage for the stars to shine.
First on stage was Moroccan singer and songwriter Cheikh Oueld Labied, who sang songs of love and culture, written especially for his act in Dubai. Next, South African DJ Spoken Priestess mixed Afrobeats, and took the crowd on a musical journey of the African continent.
She was joined by Hip-Hop Recording Artist & Producer, Versatile - together they infused a party vibe and got the crowds moving with swag to their music.
Internationally-acclaimed Afro-pop duo Mafikizolo performed their best-loved hits, adding pizzazz and rhythm to the evening. This was the South African pair’s second performance at Expo’s global stage.
Nominated for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2013, their albums, Reunited and 20, have also won several accolades from the South African Music Awards.
Singer-songwriter Mayorkun brought his Nigerian swagger to the stage, and entertained crowds with his popular singles. His first album, The Mayor of Lagos, appeared in the Billboard World Album Charts in 2018, peaking at No 15.
Multi-award-winning Congolese sensation Fally Ipupa then performed with his lively songs and dance moves. He was named Best Francophone Artist at the MTV Africa Music Awards, and awarded Best Video, in 2010.
DJ Thuli P brought down the evening’s curtain, as her vast continental discography reflected a great representation of African rhythms, combined with contemporary dance tunes. The queen of African street culture mixed her way to everyone’s hearts, leaving those in attendance pleading for more. Wrapping up the musical extravaganza in fine style.
Earlier on Sunday, the African Union marked its Honour Day at Expo 2020 Dubai in a ceremony that celebrated the wealth of culture, heritage and vision across the continent through dance, spoken word and music.
The public, media and all other interested parties can keep up-to-date with the latest out of Dubai as well as get all the necessary information surrounding the AU activities or events by visiting the official AU at Expo 2020 website: https://africaexpo2020dubai.au.int/en
For further information please contact:
Mr. Lunga Kupiso, Public Relations & Media Officer - AU at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: auexpomedia@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ms. Faith Adhiambo, Media & Communications Coordinator - AU at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: ochiengj@african-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org Web: au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
