Will Smith to host Mandela Aids benefit

Rapper and actor Will Smith is set to host Nelson Mandela's Aids benefit concert in George, South Africa next month.

The Men In Black hitmaker, 36, will compere the 46664 gig - a reference to Mandela's prison number during his incarceration in the apartheid era - on March 19, seven months after Smith became an ambassador for Mandela's foundation.

British rockers Queen and their new frontman Paul Rogers will join former Eurythmics star Annie Lennox and teen singer Katie Melua, as well as local performers Johnny Clegg and Mafikizolo.

Mandela's last 46664 concert in November 2003 entertained a 40,000 strong audience and was viewed by two billion people worldwide through the internet and television.