Thembani Phiri(15)
UK’s musical fraternity will on the 3rd of March 2012 showcase a wide array of musical talent for a worthy cause in Birmingham to raise funds for Thembani Phiri who suffers congenital elephantiasis. The concert dubbed Thembani- In my Name is organised by Chris Kusema and Khamani in conjunction with The African Boabab Foundation.
Thembani Phiri aged 15 lives in Bulawayo. He was born with the condition which has rerouted what he and his family wished for 15years ago- a healthy child. Elephantiasis is mostly caused by an obstruction of the lymphatic vessels, which results in extreme swelling of the skin and tissues, typically in the lower trunk and body. The disease, which can be painful and uncomfortable, affects the legs and genitals, resulting in baggy, thickened and ulcerated skin, along with fever and chills. It also causes complications like obstructed blood vessels, which limits blood supply and causes the skin to become infected and gangrenous.
Thembani has been struggling all his life and his leg has grown big that it’s become too heavy for him rendering him zero mobility. To compound the need, Thembhani`s father, the family breadwinner was retrenched in 2011 leaving the family helpless. ‘Completing my O’Levels is my wish’, said Thembani.
‘A wheelchair is our main priority, and we would like to help him pay his school fees so he can sit for his O levels this year, then we of course long term medical help will be needed afterwards’ said the organiser Christopher Kusema.
The fundraising concert will feature artists from both gospel and circular music with the likes of Khamani, Mahali Selepe, Tsitsi Mutsago, Obert Mazivisa, Shingai Mushayabasa and many more.
ADMISSION £5, FOOD AND GOODIES WILL BE SOLD ON THE NIGHT AND ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE FOR THEMBANI.
A RAFFLE WILL BE HELD AND A FOOTBALL SIGNED BY MANCHESTER CITY FOOTBALL CLUB PLAYERS IS UP FOR GRABS.
3 March 2012
TIME 1600-2200HRS
* Where AFM CITADEL, 4 LOVEDAY STREET, BIRMINGHAM, B4 6NP, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
