Alicia Keys raises money for AIDS

Alicia Keys performed at the event with Adele and Jennifer Hudson

US soul singer Alicia Keys has hosted a star-studded Black Ball in London, a charity event to raise cash for orphans suffering from HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Big name celebrities turned out to show their support including Kelly Rowland from Destiny's Child, Mischa Barton and Jennifer Hudson.

Alicia Keys told Newsbeat everyone needs to remember the problems don't just affect people in Africa.

She said: "It scares me, is what it really does. Thinking of myself, thinking of younger generations, my brother's generation.

"We have a lot to really be careful about and it's such a major thing that we have to be cautious.

"But we can totally avoid it by practising safe sex and if you can, even waiting, just abstinence.

"And definitely being aware of what's going on so that you know that you want to protect yourself every time, all the time."

Star support

The 27-year-old singer is the global ambassador for Keep A Child Alive, an organisation that helps raise money for children and families with HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson performed at the event with the likes of Adele, Annie Lennox and Damien & Stephen Marley.

Russell Brand turned up in flip flops with Aussie actress Teresa Palmer

She told Newsbeat she was glad to be helping a worthy cause.

"Any time you're helping someone is very important and, of course, when children are involved," she said.

"I feel like your celebrity is not about the fortune or the fame. But if you can't help anyone then it's in vain, it's pointless."

Other celebrity guests included actor, comedian and BBC DJ Russell Brand.

He turned up with Australian actress and girlfriend Teresa Palmer.