Surprise, surprise! Ugandan fans of Lionel Richie are in for a treat.
The iconic American singer, songwriter, and producer is set to perform in Uganda at the highly anticipated Adventure of Humanity Concert, an event dedicated to global unity and climate awareness.
The 75 year old “Stuck on You” singer will take the stage alongside Sister Sledge, the renowned Philadelphia-based vocal group best known for their hit We Are Family.
The announcement was made yesterday afternoon by Uganda’s Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, during a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre.
Mr. Mao expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Lionel Richie is coming to Gulu in June, and Sister Sledge will also be performing at the same concert. Why Gulu? Because this concert is about repairing the world—it’s about climate change, it’s about uniting people globally.”
He went on to reveal that the idea for this initiative originated more than 25 years ago with the late pop icon Michael Jackson, whose humanitarian efforts inspired countless global movements. Jackson’s vision for using music as a tool for change eventually gained the support of notable figures such as Tara Gandhi, the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, and the Royal House of Mandela, among others.
This information was revealed by Nobert Mao in a press conference yesterday. Sister Sledge will also be performing at the event.
— SPARK TV (@sparktvuganda) February 12, 2025
Why Gulu? Mao said the concert is about repairing the world, climate change and creating unity. #SparkNews #TheDailySoup | https://t.co/6OBcLzH2IZ pic.twitter.com/zgnTlc1ku7
Mr. Richard Nilsson, the President of Adventure for Humanity, shared the historical roots of the concert. He explained, “In 1999, Michael Jackson organized two concerts under the banner of ‘MJ & Friends’ in support of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, UNESCO, and the Red Cross. One took place in Munich, Germany, and the other in Seoul, South Korea, with global superstars like Mariah Carey joining the cause.” Nilsson emphasized that the Adventure of Humanity Concert aims to be one of the greatest climate awareness events ever held, leveraging the universal language of music to inspire action on environmental sustainability.
The concert will take place at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City, further reflecting the growing prominence of Northern Uganda as a hotspot for major international performances. Over the past year, the region has welcomed acclaimed African artists such as Rudeboy, Fally Ipupa, Awilo Longombaand most recently Nigerian comedian Sabinus.
This event is more than just a concert; it represents a global movement aimed at raising awareness about climate change, educating communities on sustainability, and creating economic opportunities for local vendors, hospitality businesses, transport services, and entrepreneurs. It will also serve as a platform for Ugandan artists, musicians, and filmmakers to showcase their talent, while repositioning Gulu as a thriving center for arts, culture, and eco-tourism.
Since it is a charity concert, it’s expected that residents of Gulu will have the chance to experience Lionel Richie’s performance without having to dig into their pockets, as it will be a free concert.
Born Lionel Brockman Richie Jr., the legendary singer first rose to fame in the 1970s as a songwriter and co-lead vocalist of the Motown group Commodores, creating timeless hits like Easy, Sail On, and Three Times a Lady. In 1982, he launched his solo career with the album Lionel Richie, which sold over four million copies and produced hits such as You Are, My Love, and Truly. Over the decades, Richie has remained a powerhouse in the music industry, earning four Grammy Awards and captivating audiences worldwide with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Richie is no stranger to Africa—he has previously performed in Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, and Libya.
The news has however brought mixed reactions from many internet users, questioning why international/ European artists are only brought to perform when they are older, citing an example of Boyz II Men, and now Lionel Richie.
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