A concert to promote freedom in Zimbabwe will take place next Sunday, March 29th, at the Bassline in Johannesburg, South Africa. Make Some Noise is a festival hopes to build solidarity in the region and maintain awareness of the current crisis in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe, once the home to the most educated population in Africa, has seen a 20 percent drop in school attendance coupled with an epidemic resurgence of cholera deaths. The political situation in the country is at the center of this crisis, with activists being abducted by the state and the government ignores simple health measures.
Organized by the Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum and Magamba (a cultural activist network) in partnership with LNM Entertainment, Makes Some Noise hopes to spotlight the problems in Zimbabwe and unite Africans to the cause.
The event is expected to draw performers from around Africa as well as civic and activist organizations, media, and, of course, music fans. The hotels Johannesburg as well as area restaurants and businesses hope to see a much-needed bump in sales from the festival.
The first Make Some Noise was held in Johannesburg in 2007 and last year’s event saw a 50 percent increase in attendance. Organizers are optimistic that this year’s festival will be even more popular and see greater media coverage of the importance of regional solidarity.
