As part of Amasiko, the huge cultural programme running alongside the XIII International AIDS Conference in Durban, there will be two concerts starring some of South Africa's best-known musicians. Staged Africa Alive! in association with the Vodacom Ocean Action Festival, the concerts will take place at Durban's North Beach on July 12 and 13 at 18h00.

The concert on July 12 has a gospel theme and will feature mega-stars Rebecca Malope, Pure Gold, Amaponi, Vuyo Mokoena, Avante and Lundi. A kwaito/adult contemporary programme is planned for the concert on July 13 with Brenda Fassie, Bongo Maffin, Jabu Khanyile, Choppa, Mawillies, Khanyo and Boom Shaka. Both concerts begin at 18h00 and admission is free!

Africa Alive! is a multi-national initiative aimed at providing youth with skills and a platform for fighting HIV/AIDS through the medium of popular entertainment. Africa Alive! and the SABC have compiled a CD for the conference, which includes songs by local artists Chicco, Sibongile Khumalo, Brenda Fassie and Jabu Khanyile as well as artists from the rest of Africa. A percentage of the proceeds from sales of the CD will be ploughed into youth programmes in Africa.

The Thursday concert will be topped off by an Africa Alive! fund-raising event at the club 100 On Point.