Kelly Rowland appointed as ambassador to MTV Staying Alive

The multi-platinum selling artist and Destiny's Child alumnus is to be the public face of Staying Alive in June 2008, dedicating herself to raising the profile of the global charitable foundation, whose mission is to empower young people who are protecting themselves and their communities against HIV and AIDS.

Rowland will take her first steps in her new role as Staying Alive Ambassador during her solo tour of Africa later this year, when she takes her upbeat brand of stylish R&B to music fans in South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya and Angola. Her trip will incorporate visiting Staying Alive Foundation grant recipients and grassroots projects supported and funded by the Foundation.

The news of the appointment comes as Rowland prepares for the worldwide CD release of her solo album, Ms Kelly Deluxe, on 12 May 2008. The album premieres several new tracks from Rowland including the previously-unreleased "Daylight", featuring Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes, and showcases scorching remixes of Kelly's hottest current hits including the Freemasons Radio Edit of the international smash "Work" and the Joey Negro Club Mix of "Daylight" and "Like This" (featuring Eve). The album also reprises key tracks from her original best-selling Ms. Kelly album.

Commented Kelly Rowland, ‘I am honoured to work with The Staying Alive Foundation in its mission to transform attitudes to HIV and AIDS around the world. The Foundation continues to recognize and reward young people whose relentless mission is to encourage, educate and empower their peers in the fight against HIV and AIDS. I am excited to be a part of this remarkable initiative and look forward to supporting Staying Alive in all its efforts to change the prevailing culture of ignorance which fosters and perpetuates this disease.'
Commented Bill Roedy, Vice Chairman, MTV Networks, ‘We are delighted and honoured to have Kelly Rowland as the 2008 Staying Alive Foundation Ambassador. HIV and AIDS is the worst epidemic in recorded history and yet it is preventable and treatable. Outstanding role models such as Kelly are a huge help in raising awareness about HIV and AIDS. In turn I am sure that Kelly will be truly inspired when she visits the amazing youth led initiatives that the Foundation supports. We are excited that Kelly has agreed to lend not only her name but also her unique blend of creative energy, musical talent and relentless passion to helping us fight a disease that is a defining issue of our time.'

Founded in 1994, The MTV Staying Alive Foundation is a global public charity operating in affiliation with MTV Networks International. Its mission is to empower and support young people who are protecting themselves and their communities against HIV and AIDS. The Foundation donates money and provides grants to youth-led initiatives committed to educating their peers about HIV and AIDS. It is dedicated to fighting stigma and discrimination and empowering young people to protect themselves against the disease. For more information log onto www.staying-alive.org/foundation