Academy for Educational Development

On Friday July 24, the new AED Globe Theater in Washington, D.C. will open to the public with a benefit concert by three-time Grammy Award-winning singers Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The performance will help raise funds to support Ghana CEDEM, a Ghanaian NGO dedicated to improving the quality of education for Ghana’s children.

“Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s presence at the AED Globe Theater offers the community a chance to see superb performers in an intimate setting,” said Stephen F. Moseley, President of AED. “These talented musicians will be celebrating our new theater and AED’s place in the community and world.”

“This theater will host cultural programs, films, and discussions to encourage dialogue and bring the local community, and communities around the world, closer together,” Moseley added.

The South African-based Ladysmith Black Mambazo, known for their dynamic stage presence and lush harmonies, is now on a nationwide tour. Having sold more records than any group of African musicians in history, the male choral group rose to worldwide prominence when they sang with Paul Simon on his 1986 album Graceland. Since then, they have provided the soundtrack material for Disney’s “The Lion King, Part II” and recorded with such famed artists as Stevie Wonder and The Corrs.

Friday’s concert was organized by AED’s Africa Interest Group, which works to inform and engage the AED community on issues related to Africa and Africans in the Diaspora.

A silent auction featuring the works of African artists will also be held that night to benefit Ghana CEDEM, which is affiliated with AED. To purchase tickets, visit www.africainterestgroup.org.