Idris Elba hosted the Africa Day benefit concert last night on MTV Base’s YouTube Channel and he had a few things to say about Africa.
He talked about the continent’s resilience and kindness as well as the way Africans have quickly become trendsetters for the rest of the world.
While talking about the way Africans are handling the coronavirus pandemic, he said, “This is a time of crisis, a pandemic, the world and Africa are all feeling the effects of COVID-19. And one thing that is happening that we all need to tap into is that the energy is everyone is trying to help each other to some degree. Africa is no stranger to adversity and one thing you can say about Africans is that we’re resilient, thick skin, big heart.”
The Sierra Leonean also commented about how the African sound is setting the pace across the globe right now. He said, “When it comes to setting an international sound, Africa is leading the charge right now. That is why we have hits all over the world and that is why when we come to Africa, we always have to remember the greats and the legends.”
While saying his final goodbyes at the end of the show, the coronavirus survivor also seized the opportunity to charge everyone listening to let their greatness blossom. He said, “I’d like to close tonight’s show with a favourite Mandela quote, ‘It falls upon a generation to be great’. You be the great generation, let your greatness blossom. Of course, the task would not be easy but not to do this will be a crime against humanity. Against which I ask all humanity to rise up!”
The concert featured performances from top African artists like Davido, Burna Boy, TooFan, Diamond Platnumz, Angelique Kidjo, Nasty C and many more. It also featured special appearances from Falz, Jidenna, Sean Paul, Fat Joe, Boris Kodjoe, Omari Hardwick, Adesua Etomi, Yvonne Orji and many more.
