Concert "Breaking the Silence, Beating the Drum" at the UN

United Nations, 25 March 2009 - Commemoration of the International day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

A first of its kind cultural evening and concert entitled Breaking the Silence, Beating the Drum formed the centerpiece of the commemoration with a chorus of celebrities and dignitaries representing the global community collectively celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and victory over adversity. Confirmed artists and celebrities: Akon (Senegal/USA) & Peter Buffett (USA); Mezzo-Soprano Audrey Babcock (USA); Soprano Angela Brown (USA); The Blind Boys of Alabama (USA); Izaline Calister (Curacao/The Netherlands); Toumani Diabaté (Mali); Danny Glover (USA); Gilberto Gil (Brazil); Bill T. Jones (USA); Sarah Jones (USA); Salif Keita (Mali) and his Band; Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa); Emeline Michel (Haiti); The Marley Brothers (Jamaica); CCH Pounder (Guyana/USA/Senegal); Stephanie Benson (Ghana); Phylicia Rashad (USA); Tenor Noah Stewart (USA); Randy Weston (USA) and his Quintet; Choreographer Gabri Christa (Curacao/The Netherlands) and ten award winning dancers of various nationalities in a piece dedicated to the Middle Passage. Pre-taped testimonials from Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali were shown.

The concert was moderated by CCH Pounder and Eric Falt.

Commemoration Website:
http://www.un.org/en/slavery/index.shtml

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• United Nations
• UN
• Commemoration
• 25 March 2009
• Breaking the silence
• Beating the Drum Concert