Popular singer Ricky Martin will perform at the Taj Mahal in Agra in February as part of a series of worldwide concerts to raise awareness about children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Martin’s performance at the 17th century monument of love on February 25 will be the first concert of the series, all of which will be staged at venues close to architectural and archaeological marvels like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the pyramids of Egypt.

The singer said he was joining the 8th Wonder of the World concert series to help protect children from AIDS.

“What is understood across the globe is that children are the future. What is not understood around the globe is that the future of many developing countries is in jeopardy due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic that affects million of children worldwide,” he said in a statement.

“By raising awareness and funds through the Ricky Martin Foundation and UNICEF and 8th Wonder of the World benefit concert series, I want to help protect the future of developing nations and protect the children of the world from the physical, emotional and social effects of this deadly pandemic.”

Martin, however, is no stranger to India.

He has visited the country several times, most recently to record the string arrangements for his first English-language album in five years, Life.

Martin, a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, has long been a strong advocate of children’s rights and protection through his Ricky Martin Foundation. He also backs groups working to prevent child trafficking and prostitution in several countries, including India.

As part of the 8th Wonder of the World Series, 10 concerts will be held over five years at some of the most beautiful natural and man-made locations in the world.

The concerts will feature renowned musical artists and UNICEF goodwill ambassadors and will be broadcast globally.

Some of the other concerts will be held at China’s Forbidden City in September 2006, the Parthenon in Greece in September 2007, the Great Pyramid in Cairo in the spring of 2008, St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow in the fall of 2008 and the Statue of Liberty in New York in 2010.