Alicia Keys and funny man Chris Rock will co-host the Black Ball at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.  The Grammy award winner who’s also performing at the event on November 5 will share the stage with Lionbabe, Wizkid, and others yet to be announced.

Established in 2003, the charity event aims to raise funds for Keep A Child Alive, a foundation that works to provide treatment and care for those families effected by HIV and Aids in Africa and India. The theme of the year’s star studded ball is ‘Afrofuturism,’ focusing on  the “ingenuity, creativity and talent of Africa’s entrepreneurs, artists, designers, musicians and activists, “ says Billboard.

Cofounder Alicia Keys has high hopes for the affected families but believes there is much work to be done. “…With 25 million people currently living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, we need to get AIDS out of the picture once and for all for Africa to reach their full potential, ” she said.

Currently, the organization has raised upward of 24.9 million dollars for the cause. Past performers include Jay Z, Adele, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, and more. Past honorees who have been recognized for their humanitarian work are Oprah, Bono, and former President Bill Clinton.

Sponsors of the ball include huge names such Jynwel Charitable Foundation Limited, Microsoft, Givenchy Parfums and Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits. 

BET.com is your No. 1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.

(Photo: D Dipasupil/Getty Images)