One of the world's most influential producers and R&B innovator, R.Kelly, will be jetting in to Africa for the first time ever for shows at South Africa's Sun City Super Bowl and Grand west Casino in Cape Town on June 27 and 29, 2009 to be preceded by a Command Performance at the ARISE Africa Fashion Awards at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg on June 20, 2009. R.Kelly will then proceed to Lagos and Abuja in Nigeria from July 3 - 5, 2009 and then to London for his first UK show in 8 years at the Wembly Arena, London on July 8,2009. The platinum-selling artist will be performing for the grand finale of THISDAY Music Festival 2009 as part of the multi-city tour for a festival born in Africa but increasingly taking the world of entertainment to new levels with several African acts sharing the world's stage with global icons.

R.Kelly said "I'm very excited about my first visit to Africa, I've dreamed about this for a long time and its finally here. It will be one of the highlights of not only my career but my life. And I can't wait to be back in the UK to perform live for my fans there –who have been some of the best in the world."

THISDAY Music & Fashion Festivals and Events, have brought music and fashion icons as well as world and business leaders, to Lagos, Abuja, London and Washington, DC, including Bill Clinton, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Usher and many more over the past few years. This summer's event is set to be no exception with further acts to be announced soon.

With a host of different events taking place over the next few months, the THISDAY tour 2009 will kick off in Johannesburg on 12th June, with ARISE Africa Fashion Week, which has already confirmed the participation of over 50 of the best African fashion designers from 20 countries and all regions of the continent. The week will culminate with an awards ceremony, featuring a judging panel of fashion insiders and experts who will award the high fliers and innovators of the event. In addition, the former First Lady of France Cécilia Attias, who recently founded the Cecilia Attias Foundation, will deliver the keynote address, "The Promise of Africa." Her foundation aims to support non-governmental organizations in the improvement of women's lives globally.

Nduka Obaigbena, ARISE Founder and THISDAY Group Chairman, said, "The moment for Africa is upon us. At this time of global economic crisis, the people of Africa must turn disadvantage into opportunity and show the world that we are witnessing the first green shoots of the emerging African century. We have all it takes and we're going for it!" Nduka will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to a surprise honorary.

For further information, please contact:
Hannah.paul@outside-org.co.uk or 020 7436 3633


THISDAY Music Festival Starring R. Kelly, Presented by ARISE Magazine, tour schedule:

Saturday, June 27th at the Superbowl in Sun City

Monday, June 29th at the Grand West Casino in Cape Town

Friday, July 3rd at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja, Nigeria

Saturday, July 4th and Sunday, July 5th at the National Theater in Lagos, Nigeria

Wednesday, July 8th at Wembley Arena in London, UK

ARISE Magazine

ARISE, launched in February 2009, is the world's first magazine on global African style, culture, business and politics. Produced in London, ARISE is published by THISDAY Media Group, Leaders & Company Ltd, one of Africa's leading daily news outlets. THISDAY events, including the THISDAY Awards and THISDAY Music and Fashion Festivals, have brought music and fashion icons as well as world and business leaders to Lagos, Abuja, London and Washington, DC, including Bill Clinton, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Usher and many more.

ARISE is aimed at a readership throughout the global African Diaspora with an interest in the cultural successes and positive social developments coming out of the continent. Its editorial content and quality are tailored to appeal to young and affluent readers.