New York – 24 June 2015

H.E. Mr. Sam Kahamba Kutesa, President of the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), announced that a concert, “The Transformative Power of Music” will be staged at the General Assembly Hall in New York City, on 30 June 2015, starting at 7 pm.

Hosted by President Kutesa in support to the United Nations “2015: Time for Global Action” campaign, the concert will celebrate the musical diversity of the family of nations and raise awareness about the devastating effects of climate change on the livelihoods of communities around the world and the planet’s fragile ecosystems.

The Masters of Ceremony will be Ann Tripp and George Collinet, who both have decades of experience in the broadcasting industry.

More than 140 performers representing five continents and a wide range of musical repertoires have been invited to perform. They all share the conviction that music has the transformative power to mobilize and bring people together.

The 40 musicians of the New York Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Mr. David Eaton, its globally acclaimed Musical Director.

The House Band, under the leadership of Music Director Robin DiMaggio, will comprise South African legendary bass player Bakithi Kumalo New York City-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, singer and instrument designer Mark Stewart French composer, programmer, and jazz percussionist Mino Cinélu and South African accordion, harmonium, and keyboard player Tony Cedras. The House Band will be completed by a horn section composed of trumpeter and Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies, Michigan State University Etienne Charles (Trinidad and Tobago), Celebrated jazz saxophonist Brian Hogans Admired jazz trumpeter Jumaane Smith and acclaimed trombone Dion Tucker, all from the United States.

Jamaican reggae and hip-hop artist Ky-Mani Marley will perform “We Are” from his new album “United” with American reggae rapper Matisyahu and German reggae musician Gentleman. This album will be issued on that same day.

Other performers include: Ada (Brazil/Nigeria), Ahmad Gamal (Egypt), Angelo Mazzone (Italy/USA), Ayo (Germany/Nigeria), Children of the MacDella Cooper Foundation (Liberia), Csaba Szegedi (Hungarian State Opera), D”Nyangi (Tanzania), Geoffrey Oryema (Uganda), Hervé (Haiti), Ildikó Szakács (Hungarian State Opera), Jihae (Republic of Korea), Kaïssa (Cameroon), Kika Troupe (Uganda), Kolo Barst (Martinique), Marie-Claire (Dominica), M’Bilia Bel (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Midnight Groovers (Dominica), Nomsa Mazwai (South Africa), Pierre Akendengué (Gabon), Robert Davi (USA), Seiko Lee (Japan), Show Tahiti Nui (French Polynesia), and Watoto Children’s Choir (Uganda).

Israeli singer Yasmin Levy and Arab-Israeli singer Miriam Toukan will perform in duo.