Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu, Showbiz Reporter
LOCAL DJ, MduSevan has cut his hair and gone bald for the revival of his Pink Awareness annual music concert which seeks to shine the spotlight on cancer.
The concert that is being revived after its last edition in 2018 is set to be held on 17 September at a venue yet to be announced. In its third instalment, Pink Awareness was established in 2017 as a tribute to the DJ’s sister who succumbed to cervical cancer.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths.
MduSevan told Chronicle Showbiz that he decided to shave his head bald out of respect for cancer victims.
“The idea of going bald emanates from the respect and honour that I have for cancer victims. It’s a culture and my way of remembering and showing support to cancer victims,” he said.
For the first instalment, MduSevan held a 10-hour house set at Pub Lagondola to raise awareness about the sickness, and this time around, he said “another surprise is in store”.
The Umuntu womuntu hit-maker said the main focus for this year’s concert will be prostate and breast cancer with female artistes set to have the lion’s share in terms of performances.
He said preparations for the event are well underway with the line-up of artistes set to be unveiled soon.
“Preparations for the concert are underway and we’ll be announcing the line-up of performers soon. Our focus this year is mainly on breast and prostate cancer. The event will be held under the theme #YouNotAloneSisonke with ladies set to lead the performances.
“My vision is to reach as many people and let them know that cancer is not a curse, but is actually manageable with time and knowledge. One should not wait until it’s too late,” MduSevan said.
“In 2017, I played a record 10-hour set and in 2018, I made a record 300-metre long pink ribbon. This year, another surprise is in store. We’re also adding some games and considering roping in comedians and poets. Each performer will have a piece about cancer and as usual, our traditional colours will be pink and white.”
The concert comes at a time when the world is preparing to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month next month. This is an annual international health campaign organised by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. Following suit, MduSevan said proceeds from his event are used to get more media materials to further raise awareness beyond the event. – @eMKlass_49
Online Reporter