'United We Stand' against xenophobia: Salif, Ladysmith Black Mambazo - video

Two African musical icons have united in harmony for peace on the continent.

Malian singer and songwriter Salif Keita, regarded as the golden voice of Africa, teamed up with Grammy-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo to record United We Stand to stop Africans from turning on each other.

The single, which was recorded at the KZN Music House on Monday to discourage xenophobia, was released on Friday.

The track is also expected to be played on long-haul flights.

Keita, who has publicly fought discrimination as an albino, has wanted to collaborate with the group for a while.

Keita said he was excited about the opportunity to work with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who have collaborated with international artists Paul Simon and Josh Groban.

"We are in the same boat, fighting this struggle together. I am very pleased to be here to be making the song together. We are going to continue this fight for love and unity in Africa to the end.

 "South Africa belongs to the continent and all of us must help to fix the problem. We want Africa united. South Africa is like our home. We love it here," said the Africa singer.

His manager, Christian Syren, said Keita had himself suffered discrimination.

"He has known the hardships of discrimination and feels very strongly about the subject."

Ladysmith Black Mambazo's Joseph Shabalala said the power of music would help dissolve barriers between Africans.

"The song has a powerful message. Music is a good way to reach millions of people.

"This will send out a strong message for peace. The song talks about love and respect. We hope the song will encourage this," Shabalala said.

The group's manager, Xolani Majozi, said that when they were planning the song, the artists were keen to look "beyond xenophobia", and instead focus on a message that would unite Africans.

"We wanted to talk about unity and love. We have these internationally acclaimed artists putting on a united front," Majozi said.

Thembinkosi Ngcobo, head of Durban's parks, recreation and culture department, said: "Before 1994, we saw the power that arts and culture and its message can get into the hearts and minds of people. We realised then it is a very important instrument that can bring about social change.

"In this very difficult time on the continent, we have two legends, who need to spread the message of peace. Everybody should know that the unfortunate incidents that happened in Durban don't represent us as a city," said Ngcobo.