World Aids Day 1 December 2010: Musicians call for unity against HIV/Aids

In his World Aids Day message, kwaito singer and founder of AMAHA, Doc Shebeleza said: "HIV/Aids is here, but we don't have to be ignorant about it. We don't have a cure for it but we have information. All of us need to be responsible. Those who are HIV positive must stay positive - it is not the end of the world. Those who are HIV negative should make wise lifestyle choices to safeguard their health. Nobody should discriminate against anyone who is HIV positive. To mark World Aids Day it is vital to unite and fight the epidemic together."

AMAHA has partnered with the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) to spread the HIV/Aids message as widely as possible. The church reaches an estimated 200 000 members countrywide and is actively addressing HIV/Aids awareness by handing out more than 100 000 condoms every month.

Describing AMAHA's partnership with UCKG as an important one which would benefit all South Africans, Doc Shebeleza said the church is committed to working with the most needy in society and promotes love and peace. Working with UCKG will help AMAHA achieve its aims.

He said: "Whatever you do, you need God to be part of the programme. At AMAHA, we come from different religions and beliefs, but having a partnership with the church will help us spread the awareness message. The church talks about HIV. They talk about condoms. They work with many people. We need to contribute positively to life and it's very important to work together to achieve this."

Musicians from AMAHA will participate in the New Year's Eve celebration at the FNB Stadium which is being organised by UCKG. It is anticipated that 94 000 people will fill the stadium to welcome 2011 with dance, song, music and prayer. AMAHA will provide live entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening. Artists include Nhlanhla of Mafikizolo, Deborah Fraser, Pure Gold, Sputla Sebogodi (Kenneth Mashaba in Generations), Benjamin Dube, Tshepiso and many more.

Doc Shebeleza said: "The New Year's Eve celebration gives us a great opportunity to work with the church. At the end of the year people think about many things and are worried about different issues, but we can all pray together. We can all have one vision and ask God to sustain us spiritually for the New Year."

For further publicity information, please contact Nametso Mofokeng, UCKG Public Relations, on 011 224-3400 / 011 224-3447, email az.gro.gkcu@rp or visit the website www.universalark.co.za.