This is probably the most recognised face of the last 20-odd years. He will be 90 on 18 July and last night, I sat up and watched the concert celebrating that fact. It was held in Hyde Park, London and featured such artists as Amy Winehouse, Annie Lennox, Queen, Eddy Grant ("Give Me Hope Johanna") and Simple Minds, to name a few.
There were also the most wonderful African ensembles and singers which, to me, were the highlights of the show, apart from Nelson Mandela's thank you speech, which was simple but rang with the amazing spirit for which he is well known.
Some of the songs brought back a lot of memories for me of those days when the protests against the apartheid system and political prisoners in South Africa was at their peak. Notably the finale of the concert "Free Nelson Mandela". I can remember singing that one in a protest I was in...whether it had any actual impact or not, I still don't know. I guess I can say that, along with protests all over the world, it helped.
The concert was also keeping awareness raised of his organisation, 46664 - his prison number, the 466th prisoner in 1964 - which he founded to work for victims, notably children, of AIDS.
So...that was my Saturday night and a most enjoyable one, too.
Happy birthday, Madiba.
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8 comments:
What a great contribution to the greatest man on earth - your so good in reminding us - thanks!
He was in Norway last year for the concert - up at Tromsø. I'm looking forward to the years concert too!
Wishing you a great end to your week :-)
What a great man and he still looks so good, also he is a little weak on this legs. I am writing you from the lake of Garda, the weather is just great. We had an awful trip, the first day it took us 9 h for 600 km ! All the football fans went to Vienna for the European championship Germany against Spain ! What a mess will it be tonight with all the Germans here around and their Italian friends, lol !
If there was ever a symbol of freedom and sacrifice it would be this man.
It's just to bad he had to go through so much to gain what we are all born with and take for granted in most countries.
He is an amazing man! If more world statesmen had his attitude the world would be a better place.
Hi Robyn.I also sat and watched the concert and caught up a on a bit of knitting while doing so..
Robyn,
Today, great men like him are in too short supply!
rel
Dear Robyn ~~ No doubt, Mandela is
and has been a wonderful leader. I remember watching his release from imprisonment and was so moved with
the pride and passion he has always shown. Thanks for your comments and
kind words about my blood tests.
Enjoy your Friday Robyn and then have a great weekend. Take care, Love,
Merle.
Hello Robyn, loved this post of yours I missed it but thank you for this post of yours to remind me how lucky we all are here in the land of oz! what a wonderful man.
So you have discovered ebay well done I have been on there for many a year and with feedback over 2500 I guess I have bough too much too!! (smiles)
Lee-ann
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