Will Smith Launches MTV Base Africa

Will Smith helped launch MTV Base Africa by performing and joining in a special presentation to Nelson Mandela.

MTV's Vice Chairman & President Bill Roedy and big Will, who is one of Nelson Mandela's 46664 HIV/AIDS awareness ambassadors, presented living legend Mandela with a guitar to mark the birth of MTV Base Africa " MTV's 100th channel.

The launch was also marked by a huge concert featuring Will Smith and Ludacris as well as major African artists including Lebo Mathosa, Mandoza, and Nigeria's Seun Anikyulapo Kuti and Fela's Egypt 80 Band.

"It's hugely important to me for the connection to the youth that will really direct the future of South Africa and the future of the continent," said Will, "and I just think MTV has been powerful in the States and around the world and hopefully will be equally powerful and influential here."

DL