Usher takes time out to give kids 'new look on life'

AMERICAN R&B superstar Usher - who mentored Justin Bieber - is hoping to do the same for five young South Africans.

The singer arrived in the country on Tuesday ahead of last night's concert at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

He headlined the Hansa Festival of Legends concerts with local acts Zakes Bantwini, Gang of Instrumentals, Liquideep, Teargas, Oskido and DJ Tira.

At a press conference on Friday night, Usher, who founded the New Look Foundation to help give children "a new look" on life, spoke about his passion to help others .

The 33-year-old said he had brought four students from the foundation to interact with South African youth and learn from their experiences.

He said it was his third visit to Africa and he had spent the day visiting local communities.

''We've had a really great time. We went to several schools, particularly to talk about the work we've done."

He said he would choose five South Africans to attend the foundation's World Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in June.

''The children we come in contact with are really optimistic and benefit from the pillars that we put in place to help them not only identify their careers, but also better them in fulfilling their education and going on to be successful men and women. And then we also focus on the aspect of service."

Usher was discovered by music producer LA Reid when he was only 13 years old. He released his debut eponymous album in 1994.

His latest single, Climax, was released on Friday. His Confessions album came out in 2004 and has to date sold over 20 million copies worldwide.

His best-known hits include You Make Me Wanna, Love In This Club and OMG.