Mandela Benefit Concert Set For World AIDS Day

(andPOP) - Nelson Mandela will host an international concert to raise AIDS awareness among youth on Dec.1 - World AIDS Day - in Johannesburg, South Africa.

It will be the fifth in a series of concerts, dubbed the 46664 campaign, organized by the former South African president and civil rights leader. The concerts have raised about $3 million to date for AIDS awareness.

The first 46664 concert was held in Cape Town on Nov. 29, 2003. Past performers have included U2, Queen, Beyoncé, Bob Geldof and Annie Lennox.

"I am very delighted that we are engaging the youth in schools, communities and through the media breaking the silence and stigmas around HIV and AIDS and making them realize that the power to beat the pandemic lies in their own hands," Mandela said at a press conference in Johannesburg on Monday.

The concert is expected to feature both local and international talent. The lineup of about 30 to 35 artists will be announced in the coming days.

Besides the Johannesburg concert, a 46664 concert will also be held in London on June 27, 2008 to mark Mandela's 90th birthday.

The 46664 campaign is named for Mandela's inmate number during the 27 years he spent in prison for his struggle against apartheid. He has continued to use the number in his work for various social issues.