Rita Ora

Rita Ora

Rita Ora has joined the line-up for the Unity Concert in memory of Stephen Lawrence.

The 'Radioactive' songstress will perform at the star-studded event along with the likes of Tinie Tempah and Ed Sheeran to mark 20 years since the brutal racially-motivated attack on Stephen, who was stabbed to death in London in 1993.

The show will raise funds for the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust - founded by Stephen's mother, Doreen Lawrence - which aims to encourage disadvantaged youths to enter into professional careers.

Speaking to Radio 1, Rita said: "It is just really important to have a message when it comes to music...anything to inspire young kids and the youth is something that I kind of live by".

Beverly Knight has also been snapped up to perform, as well as Emeli Sandé, Rizzle Kicks, Plan B, Labrinth, Soul II Soul and Jamie Cullum.

Emeli - who has had hits with 'Next to Me' and 'Beneath Your Beautiful' - previously admitted she was encouraged to take part in the one-off event because her family life was affected by the shocking incident and she wants youngsters to have freedom, regardless of their race or age, to chase their dreams.

She said: "I remember I was quite young when it happened. By coming from a mixed race family it was an issue that we spoke about, the issues you face being mixed race and this being something that happened in our country so definitely, it had a big impact on my family.

"This is the ultimate goal no matter what colour, age, what socio-economic background you come from, people want to be free. And this is why I'm involved."

Further names will be added to the line-up in coming weeks.

The Unity Concert will take place on September 29 at London's The O2 venue.