Entertainment of Thursday, 27 November 2003

Source: GNA

14-year-old Ghanaian to perform at Mandela concert.

Master Andrew Osei Bonsu, a 14 year old drummer, singer and interpreter of the Holy scriptures has been selected to represent Ghana at a Global Live Charity Concert dubbed, “Mandela 46664” under the patronage of Nelson Mandela Foundation in Cape Town in aid of people Living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. The concert, which is scheduled for November 29,this year in South Africa would bring together some of the world celebrated Megastars such as Bono, Johnny Clegg, Baaba Maala, among others to create a global awareness and attitudinal change in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the continent.

Dr Erieka Bennet, Acting Chairperson of Children’s Christian Storehouse International (CCSI), an NGO and organizers of the programme announced this at a press conference on Monday in Accra. She said Osei Bonsu would be “Ghana’s Youngest Gateway Ambassador” to the concert to perform and pray for all children and HIV/AIDS victims. She said Osei Bonsu would also be featured praying in a song “Amandla” with recording star Anastacia that would be broadcast live to over 3 billion people in 90 countries. “This is all a goodwill mission that this young man is embarking upon, representing Ghana and helping the Mandela Foundation to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa” Dr Bennet said.

Mr. Kweku Osei Agyei, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affair thanked CCSI for the concern shown at promoting the positive, beautiful and talented children on the continent He said for that matter, the government would provide the necessary support for young Osei Bonsu to take part in the concert with the conviction that, “given the good opportunity, the African child can perform better than his peers from other continents”.