Hastily arranged in association with WOMAD - possibly in response to the
lack of African artists at Hyde Park - this free event features ten hours of
performances from that continent's finest singers, dancers, rappers,
musicians and performers. Spread across two stages, one of them in a citrus
grove in the Mediterranean biome (one of the two greenhouses that form the
centrepiece of the Eden Project) these acts set about informing the lucky
5000 present about why their homelands are worth championing.

They come from all corners of Africa, and ground their pieces in personal
experience mixed with traditions inherited from their forefathers. Maryam
Mursal, all the way from Somalia via Denmark, sings happy, infectious
harmonies with her backing group, so it's remarkable that her songs document
different emotions, such as loneliness at not fitting in abroad. Gentler,
folkier, but no less talented, Cameroon's Coco Mbassi has a rich, textured,
soulful voice that echoes among the trees.

Also on show are plenty of percussion bands, from the colourful Shikisha to
the energetic Modou Diouf and O Fogom. Zimbabwe's multifaceted Siyaya,
combining their country's costumes, dances and drums with heartfelt acapella
ballads about contemporary issues, end by frowning upon the audience for not
being smily enough. If there's one thing that can be said about all the acts
at the event, it's that they seek to make people smile, and therein lies
their disarming charm.

This childish enthusiasm is all the more commendable given the background of
some present. A number of performers tell of fleeing their home country in
fear; Sudanese rapper Emmanuel Jal is a former child soldier who escaped to
Nairobi and discovered a passion for music. When closing act, Senegalese
hip-hoppers Daara J, sing of the commitment needed for Africa to overcome
its troubles, it's clear they speak from first-hand experience.

The collective is a fine choice of headline act. Bouncy and verbally
dextrous, they encourage audience participation throughout their set. The
crowd are up for it, and oblige with a sea of waving arms. Few will have
heard of the group before, but the level of enthusiasm greeting Daara J
surely indicates they would have been a hit at Hyde Park. The same could be
said of Angelique Kidjo, Kanda Bongo Man, and others, and their presence in
London would have brought welcome variety, as well as a reminder that Africa
is a wonderful place, rich in culture, and not just somewhere far away where
people suffer. The clear message from this event is that Africans do not
need or want the pity of the western world; all they ask is to be given the
same opportunities we are lucky enough to have. There's a wealth of evidence
here to indicate what could be achieved if this were put right.

As the climactic, celebratory fireworks bring the day to a close, it's time
to reflect on a packed afternoon and evening, including a flying visit from
Youssou N'Dour with Dido, and a speech from Hollywood actress Angelina
Jolie. I found it tremendously enjoyable, extremely educational, and a
resounding success, both in terms of entertainment and if raising awareness.
Many of these artists, most of whom were new to me, clearly deserve a bigger
platform on which to perform. Here's hoping that's just one of the
objectives achieved by Live 8.
 

Words by Grant Lakeland

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