Nelson Mandela passed away yesterday (December 5th) at the age of 95 at his home in Houghton, a suburb of Johannesburg.
Nelson Mandela loved music, many consider music an important factor in building awareness and facilitating the pressure which resulted in the end of apartheid. Tributes have been been flowing in from around the music world, here are some of the tweets, and some of the best performances, in tribute to the great Mandela.
Rihanna
One of the greatest men who's ever lived!!! #Legend We will never forget the things this man has… http://t.co/ztPkooNOIN
— Rihanna (@rihanna) December 5, 2013Kendrick Lamar
Advising all my young ones that follow me to research a small piece of Nelson Mandela Life. That's how you pay your respect...... GO!
— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) December 5, 2013The Roots’ Questlove
Free Nelson Mandela! Nelson Mandela Is Free. #Respect
— Questlove Jenkins (@questlove) December 5, 2013Dizzee Rascal
He fought the good fight.
RIP Nelson Mandela #welostagoodone http://t.co/sDv293bPgn
— Dizzee Rascal (@DizzeeRascal) December 5, 2013Chuck D
Rest in PEace MADIBA…..
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) December 5, 2013
Mandela’s election victory rally - 1994
Some of the musical moments that Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement inspired.
Amy Winehouse - Free Nelson Mandela (46664 concert), June 2008
Gil Scott-Heron - Johannesburg (Old Grey Whistle Test), 1976
Special AKA - Free Nelson Mandela (Top of The Pops), 1986
U2 - Ordinary Love (from the Mandela soundtrack), December 2013
Little Steven - Sun City (feat. U2, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Keith Richards & Ronnie Wood, Peter Gabriel & Grandmaster Melle Mel)
Youssou N’Dour - Nelson Mandela
Peter Gabriel - Biko (in memory of activist, Steve Biko)
Though many died for the cause, Nelson Mandela was freed on 11th February 1990 after spending 27 years in prison. He was made President of South Africa on 10th May 1994. The music made in his honour is a testament to his huge, indelible imprint on the world.
