By Frederick Philander WINDHOEK UNICEF hopes to raise N$50 000 from a benefit concert tomorrow evening by the world-renowned Belgian singer and UNICEF goodwill ambassador, Helmut Lotti, who arrived this week in Namibia on a private visit. Speaking to the press yesterday, Lotti called for closer cooperation between peoples of the world to fight the AIDS pandemic. “More than 18 000 people daily die of AIDS and leave behind many orphans. We have to do something more concrete in helping these unfortunate children as well as adult AIDS sufferers,” said Lotti, who is in the country with his 22-piece band. The singer’s trip to the country has been made possible by local business concerns such as Leading Lodges in Africa and Air Namibia. “I have a strong musical following in Southern Africa, especially in South Africa where I have worked in 1997, and in Namibia among the German community. “Although a classical singer by profession and choice, my music primarily appeals to middle-aged people as well as young persons. My repertoire also consists of Elvis Presley music because I like crooner and jazzy music,” Lotti said. In his opinion, music can bring about peace, understanding, harmony and love. “Music has the ability to bring people together in harmony,” said the musician, who initially wanted to be a professional cyclist instead of a singer. Lotti visited Namibia for the first time in 2003 after being appointed as national goodwill ambassador for Belgium. UNICEF Namibia has thus far received U$533 903 in support from UNICEF Belgium. Tickets for tomorrow evening’s performance at the Safari Court Hotel are still available and can be obtained by calling 061-375 300.