Change seems to be contagious these days. The same holds true for 10-year-old spoken word artist Nene Ali who is utilizing her God-given talents to raise both money and awareness for the people of Katanga to help reduce and rid Malaria in that region.

On Saturday June 28, 2008 at 6:00pm, Miss Ali has organized a benefit/spoken word event in celebration of Black Music Month called “Netting Change through Spoken Word”. Headlined by Ne Ne Ali, the event will be held at Middle School 142, John Philip Sousa, 3750 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, New York. Advance tickets are $7.00 and $9.00 at the door. Portion of the proceeds will go directly to the Nothing But Nets campaign to benefit the Province of Katanga located within the Democratic Republic of the Congo http://www.nothingbutnets.net. The evening will also feature a special guest performance by renowned band, The Earthman Experience featuring DJ Hard Hittin Harry, a dynamic Afrobeat/World Music collective consisting of spectacular African drumming, Haitian-Creole lyrics/chanting, violin, complimented by a LIVE DJ.

Statistics show that every 30 seconds a child in Africa dies due to Malaria, however, the disease is preventable. “My quest is to save 5,000 families from this dreadful disease,” said Ne Ne Ali. “Africa is too rich to be so poor. It’s only right that I use my talent towards humanitarian efforts because it’s not mine…it’s God’s gift and he can take it back from me anytime he wants.”

Nene Ali has performed at the Apollo, BAM café, BET Rap City, Nuyorican Poet’s Café, Philadelphia Arts Garage, and has dazzled City and State Officials in the New York tri-state area receiving nothing less than a standing ovation when she performs. She is also scheduled to visit the Katanga region to perform for the children in February 2009.

For Ticket information, Press Pass, or donations please contact Kevin @ (614) 638-9113 or via e-mail: thekendiagroup@gmail.com.