Artists from Across the Globe Share the Stage for Charity

Renowned Artists from Across the Globe Share the Stage for Charity

Singing Hope 2009 Unifies Artists in Fight Against Poverty in Africa

NEW YORK, N.Y — Extreme poverty in Africa is a global dilemma. On Saturday, October 24th musical artists from around the world are doing something about it. Singing Hope, the brainchild of Rekindle Hope in Africa, a 501(c)3 nonprofit in New York City is an effort to bring people of different backgrounds together to illustrate the power of community in effecting change.

The concert features an impressive and diverse line-up of artists: the Bavarian Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra in their first New York appearance accompanied by the operatic musings of Noriko Urata (Japan), Marquita Lister (USA), Jacques-Greg Belobo (Cameroon), pianist Jean van Vugt (Netherlands), the prestigious Juilliard School, the world famous Harlem Gospel Choir and classical rock violinist Daisy Jopling (UK).

The two hour concert offers a union of classical, jazz, gospel and soul music. Music lovers and do-gooders alike will find this event both entertaining and educational. Rekindle Hope believes that this concert offers a unique opportunity for attendees to gain an in-depth understanding of the plight of African citizens.

“While I live in the United States and am thankful for the many opportunities granted to me, my heart remains in Africa and I can never forget those who are in dire need of help,” says Andre Djbathe, Executive Director of Rekindle Hope in Africa and a native of Cameroon. Mr. Djibathe, believes that through music Rekindle Hope in Africa will reach a diverse population interested in helping the community-at-large. Plans are already underway for Singing Hope events in Paris for the spring of 2010 and New York City next fall.

Ticket prices range from $35.00 to $500. To purchase tickets, please visit www.lincolncenter.org or call Lincoln Center box office at 212-875-5030. Avery Fisher Hall is located at 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, NYC. For more information about Rekindle Hope in Africa, please visit www.rekindlehope.org. Proceeds from the concert will directly benefit ongoing efforts to eradicate poverty in Africa.

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ABOUT REKINDEL HOPE IN AFRICA:

Rekindle Hope is an African development agency and meeting place for Africans and all world citizens, moved to act together to protect vulnerable African populations. Rekindle Hope fights against extreme poverty in African nations through t humanitarian aid and socio-economic development.

In 2000, the United Nations Millennium Summit adopted eight goals to address challenges to the world development. Two of these goals, eradicating poverty and hunger and fighting diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria, are the focus of Rekindle Hope's work. The Millennium Declaration charged the world with a responsibility to create new coalitions to address these problems. Rekindle Hope combines the traditional agents of national governments, and international organizations into a partnership with individuals of civil society. Rekindle Hope combines the traditional agents of national governments, and international organizations into a partnership with individuals of civil society.

ABOUT ANDRE DJIBATHE (Rekindle Hope Founder):

Andre Djibathe, a Cameroon native believes that he can help to bring about change in Africa. He founded Rekindle Hope in Africa, a 501(c)3 organization that works to fight against extreme poverty in African nations through humanitarian aid and socio-economic development. He believes that all people share a common desire to help others and through Rekindle Hope in Africa, they can do just that by supporting efforts to improve the lives of impoverished Africans.

Mr. Djibathe hopes that this global humanitarian effort by the artists will be a huge success to funnel additional funding into projects in Africa. Seeing positive results from their first funding efforts for an African support agency Vital SEEDS, Rekindle Hope is eager to further their reach. With assistance from Rekindle Hope, Vital SEEDS was able to address issues related to children’s nutrition and education. Rekindle Hope has pledged $60,000 to Vital SEEDS for schools over the next three years. These funds will be spent for providing educational materials, daily lunch, medicine and clothes to kids. The goal for these schools is to become self-sufficient in the next three years.

ABOUT ALLEN BAILEY (Founder of Harlem Gospel Choir & Ambassador for Rekindle Hope):

Allen Bailey has worked in the entertainment industry for over 40 years. He was promotional director & advance man for major recording artists & film stars, including Lionel Richie & the Commodores, Prince, Michael Jackson, Mr. T, & Isaac Hayes. Don King appointed Allen entertainment coordinator for Rumble in the Jungle, the heavy-weight title fight between Mohammed Ali & George Foreman in Zaire.

Allen has extensive experience in combining talent management, theatrical production & fund raising. He assisted the east coast production of We are the World in 1985, & worked in a similar capacity for USA for Africa in 1986. Allen has been actively engaged in fund raising efforts for the Leukemia Society, the Cancer Foundation, & the United Negro College Fund. He was chairman for the Martin Luther King Holiday Campaign & it was through this work that the Harlem Gospel Choir was born. Always active in the Harlem Community, Allen co-ordinated Harlem's entertainment for the Nelson Mandela celebration at Yankee Stadium, and co-directed the Harlem Jazz Festival, the largest jazz festival in the world. Allen now tours full-time with the Harlem Gospel Choir, and is the Choir's front-man and MC.