Five Questions to Amobé Mévégué
The President of the WanShow 2: 0 Organizing Committee and CEO of Ubiznews Tv, outlines the event scheduled for May 25, 2020 within the framework of the fight against Covid19 pandemic.
1- On May 25, 2020, on the occasion of the International Africa Day, you plan to mobilize a hundred artists for the WanShow 2: 0. Can you elaborate on this concept and tell our readers what exactly it is?
We are organizing the greatest virtual concert in Africa and its Afro-descendant Diasporas; a first of its kind to hold on May 25, 2020 to be aired by the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB) network of member organizations, partners as well as social media. Nearly 200 artists and personalities from all regions of Africa and its Diasporas are coming together to support Africa during these challenging times due to the Covid19 pandemic. This unprecedented event will mobilize outstanding personalities.
2- Who are the artists invited to this event?
The list is long and impressive. It would be tedious to list them all here. We have chosen to represent all the regions of the continent and its Diasporas, for example, Ait Menguelet from Algeria, Justin Vali in Madagascar, Femi Kuti from Nigeria, Jimmy Cliff from Jamaica, Lenine and Chico César from Brazil, Youssou Ndour, the Godfather of the Show, Baaba Maal, Angélique Kidjo, Oumou Sangare, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Salif Keita, Mory Kante and many others….
3- Although virtual, it is not easy to calibrate an event bringing together so many speakers. What are its different joints?
It is a surprise for all those who have the good idea to join this historic event. There will be many surprises, thanks to the participation of distinguished personalities. The musical performances will be punctuated by speeches made by personalities who bring in change in Africa.
4- Africa has experienced devastating plagues in the past, including wars, terrorist attacks, health crises such as the Ebola virus disease. And we have often seen artists mobilizing to carry messages of hope and awareness. What will make the difference with what has been done in the past?
It is obvious that Africans have gone through difficult situations. Whether it was a political, economic or social crisis, they were able to face it courageously. The corona virus crisis gives us a unique opportunity to rethink Africa. WAN SHOW wants to highlight Africans who bring change in Africa, such as opinion leaders, start-ups handlers the civil society, etc. Beyond raising public awareness on COVID19, we want to pave the way of a better framework to rethinking post-pandemic Africa.
5- What is the message that you intend to convey through this event?
Above all, we are sending out a message of solidarity and unity. Our approach goes in line with the vision, continuity and inspiring personalities such as Cheikh Anta Diop, Marcus Garvey or Mohamed Ali. We also want to reaffirm that the creative industries can create many jobs for our youth. In these troubled times, we must ask ourselves the right questions: how do we imagine a new Africa as long as political and economic challenges are concerned!
Irene GAOUDA
