Press Release Nº24/21st AU SUMMIT

AU prepares a memorable celebration of African culture: past present and future

Addis Ababa, 20 May 2013:The African Union (AU) today continued with the rehearsals of what it terms a “memorable tapestry and celebration of Africa’s past, present and future”. The hour long scripted musical and drama piece was written by world renowned Pan Africanist academic Dr Lamko who is currently resident in Mexico. The piece which depicts Pan Africanism and the African Renaissance in the past, present and future, will be performed by 140 dancers, musicians and storytellers pledged and identified by the AU member states. The show will be watched by the 75 attending Heads of State and Government and representatives as well as 10 000 accredited and invited guests at the Millennium Hall.

Head Choreographer, Mr Somzi Mhlongo said “it will be an extravaganza that will be the most memorable celebration, since the formation of the OAU in 1963”. Mhlongo recently jetted in to Addis Ababa for the rehearsals after concluding dress rehearsals for the MTV Base All African Stars Concert in Durban South Africa, which featured Afro American Rap sensation, Snoop Lion. Mhlongo has also choreographed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2013 edition of the Africa Cup Nations and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which were both hosted in South Africa.

The “extravaganza” will be webcasted and will be broadcast by some African broadcasters in partnership with Ethiopian Television (ETV). The piece forms part of the opening ceremony of the Commemorative Summit of the Heads of State and Government, on Saturday 25 May. The piece and messages of support will be concluded with cultural performances from Diaspora reggae sensation Steel Pulse and AU Peace Ambassadors Salif Keita and Papa Wemba (amongst others). The performing artists and headliners are due to jet in on 23 May, and all the events of the day can be viewed at the following public viewing areas:
• Yeka sub city- Megenagnaavenue.
• Akaki sub city- Wereda 8 Genet Menafesha.
• Kolfe sub city- Ayer TenaAvene.
• Nefas Silk sub city Jemmo Avenue.
• Arada sub city- Menelik Avenue.
• Shi-Solomon- Near Ethiopia Hotel.
• Sony Screen- Meskel Square.
• Edna Mall

For further information on the OAU/AU 50th Celebrations visit the African Union website www.au.intand event related information can be received by mailing africa50@africa-union.org.