Rita Marley Will Bring Africa Unite to South Africa in 2007

Los Angeles (California), USA – Rita Marley on behalf of The Bob & Rita
Marley Foundations announced at a press conference in South Africa yesterday
that in February 2007 they will bring “Africa Unite 2007” to South Africa.
Through a series of benefit concerts, symposiums, fund raisers and events,
Africa Unite 2007 will encourage peace, education and empowerment for youth in
Africa while reinforcing the significance of Bob
Marley’s Songs of Freedom to
manifest change throughout the world. Africa Unite 2007 is Executive Directed by
Mrs. Rita Marley and Executive Produced by Christine Hansen and Thirty-Three
Productions, Inc.

This year, Africa Unite will join forces with the Emerging Leadership Programme,
initiated by the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre, which honors the peacemaker and
iconic Nobel Peace Laureate, Desmond Tutu. The Emerging Leadership Programme
grooms young leaders with value-based leadership for reconciliation,
transformation and peace in global communities.

Africa Unite 2007 will also support the Shanduka Foundation’s Adopt-a-School
Programme that is committed to providing quality education to all African
children, and the Ubuntu Institute that is dedicated to the development of young
social entrepreneurs on the African continent who are committed to achieving the
Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Each organization will contribute their
combined resources to Africa Unite 2007 and share in the singular goal to unite
Africa through peace, education and empowerment for all people.

“Our family is committed to keeping the legacy and teachings of Bob alive to
spread “One Love” worldwide through the power of music, which is a gift from God,”
said Rita Marley. “I have so much hope for Africa. It is our goal to bring
life to the words of “Africa Unite” and aid where help is needed, while creating
opportunities and sustainable change for youth in Africa and worldwide.”

Africa Unite 2007 will commence on the honor rebel Bob Marley’s birthday,
February 6, 2007 and continue throughout Black History Month to include:

Durban

* February 6 – Bob Marley’s 62nd Birthday celebration and Africa Unite kickoff
ceremony
* February 7 – Bob Marley Photo Exhibit and Mrs. Rita Marley “No Woman No Cry”
Book Launch
* February 7 – Africa Unite Benefit Concert at the site where Nelson Mandela
cast his first vote

Johannesburg

* February 9-13 – Africa Unite “You Can’t Blame the Youth” Education symposium
and workshops to encourage peace, education and empowerment for Africa’s youth
* February 14 – Constitution Hill Debut of “Freedom Fighters” photo exhibition
featuring rarely seen photos of Bob Marley including an exhibit from famed
photographer Alf Kumalo and more
* February 14 – Constitution Hill “One Love” Fundraising dinner & photo auction
* February 14 – Catch a Fire Fashion Show featuring local South African
designers
* February 17 – Africa Unite for Empowerment Benefit Concert

Cape Town

* February 22 – “Songs of Freedom” Fundraising Dinner

* February 24 – Africa Unite for Peace Benefit Concert

Born in Ethiopia in 2005, and again realized in Ghana in 2006, the now annual
Africa Unite events came to life from the unwavering passion and spirit of Rita
Marley.

Mrs. Marley and her family are inspired to spread the spirit and legacy of Bob
Marley, to continue to bring life to his Songs of Freedom and to actively work
towards a united Africa in their lifetime. The Africa Unite events have begun a
global movement that continues to create worldwide awareness for vital issues
affecting Africa as well as realizing important and meaningful change that will
contribute to lasting solutions.

“It is an honor to bring the legend of Bob Marley to South Africa to manifest the monumental changes Africa
Unite will deliver,” said Christine Hansen, Executive Producer of Africa Unite
2007 and President & CEO of Thirty-Three Productions, Inc. “The power of music
when merged with the inspirational legend and legacy of Bob Marley, then
combined with the lifelong vision of Rita Marley, The Marley Family and The Bob
and Rita Marley Foundation’s to witness a united Africa in their lifetime, will
bring dreams to reality for young Africans in 2007 and far beyond!”

“Africa Unite 2007 will provide a tremendous resource to help achieve the
Millennium Development Goals that are not only possible but within the reach of
our generation,” said Prince Cedza Dlamini, Founder of the Ubuntu Institute.
“Young people have the vision, the passion, and the energy to effect change.
They just need the resources and skills to execute their vision.”

More information:

Author: World Music Central News Room

World music news from the editors at World Music Central