Goodwill Ambassador for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Lebohang Morake, known professionally as Lebo M.
Geneva, 26 April 2010 – Grammy award-winning producer, composer and singer Lebohang Morake, known professionally as Lebo M, has been named as Goodwill Ambassador for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Known for the musical blockbuster, The Lion King, Lebo M will use his talent, outreach and deep understanding of HIV to raise awareness about the epidemic globally, including helping to break the cycle of stigma and discrimination associated with the virus.
A citizen of South Africa, Lebo M is a long time HIV advocate and founder of The Lebo M Foundation, which focuses on HIV as well as child welfare and housing issues in South Africa. “I have always dreamt big and that has carried me from smoky township nightclubs to Los Angeles. Since my dreams have come true, I want to make sure that other children grow up and reach for the skies. The AIDS epidemic must be stopped and prevented from cutting short lives. ” said Lebo M. His foundation was recognised by South Africa’s captains of industry when it was presented with The Black Quarterly Award for Corporate Social Responsibility in November 2006.
“With his outsized talent, Lebo M has dazzled the world stage, now he will use his rich and resonant voice to speak up for people living with HIV,” said Mr Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “Lebo M moves audiences with his music and his insatiable spirit will not rest until AIDS is overcome.”
Lebo M is a co-composer and member of the core creative team for the movie and Broadway production of The Lion King - one of the world’s largest and most spectacular Broadway musicals. He is the founder of the Johannesburg-based company Till Dawn Entertainment, which co-produced and staged The Lion King in South Africa. Lebo M is currently working with the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa to co-produce the Opening and Closing ceremonies.
