MUSIC VIDEO: Nelson Mandela - Special AKA

MUSIC VIDEO: Nelson Mandela - Special AKA

I came across this wonderful old video of a tribute and protest for Nelson Mandela's freedom. I wanted to share it with you as an inspiration that even in the most difficult and troubled times, there is always hope. It is also an example of the powerful impact that art and media has on humanitarian causes. - GAV Editor

Free Nelson Mandela is a song by Jerry Dammers of The Special A.K.A. released on the single Nelson Mandela / Break Down The Door in 1984 as a protest against the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela. Unlike most protest songs, the track is upbeat and celebratory, drawing on musical influences from South Africa. The song reached the top-ten on rock-music charts in England, and was immensely popular in Africa.

A Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute remake released in 1988 featured Elvis Costello, Dave Wakeling, Ranking Roger and Lynval Golding on backing vocals.

In 1984 the students' union at Wadham College, Oxford passed a motion to end every college "bop" (disco) with the song. The tradition continues despite his release.

In 1990 Nelson Mandela was freed from prision. Through his 27 years in prison, much of it spent in a cell on Robben Island, Mandela became the most widely known figure in the struggle against apartheid. Among opponents of apartheid in South Africa and internationally, he became a cultural icon of freedom and equality.

From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela

Musical tributes

Many artists have dedicated songs to Mandela. One of the most popular was from the The Specials who recorded the song Free Nelson Mandela in 1984. Stevie Wonder dedicated his 1985 Oscar for the song I Just Called to Say I Love You to Mandela, resulting in his music being banned by the South African Broadcasting Corporation.[62] In 1985, Youssou N'Dour's album Nelson Mandela was the Senegalese artist's first United States release.

In 1988, the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at London's Wembley Stadium was a focal point of the anti-apartheid movement, with many musicians voicing their support for Mandela. Jerry Dammers, the author of Free Nelson Mandela, was one of the organisers. Simple Minds recorded the song Mandela Day for the concert, Santana recorded the instrumental Mandela, and Tracy Chapman performed Freedom Now, dedicated to Mandela and released on her album Crossroads. Salif Keita from Mali, who played at the concert, later visited South Africa and in 1995 recorded the song Mandela on his album Folon.

In South Africa, Asimbonanga (Mandela) (we have not seen him) became one of Johnny Clegg's most famous songs, appearing on his Third World Child album in 1987. Hugh Masekela, in exile in the UK, sang Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela) in 1987. Brenda Fassie's 1989 song Black President, a tribute to Mandela, was hugely popular even though it was banned in South Africa.[63]

In 1990, Hong Kong Cantopop band Beyond released a popular Cantonese song, "Days of Glory". The anti-apartheid song featured lyrics referring to Mandela's heroic struggle for racial equality.[64]

In 2003, Mandela lent his weight to the 46664 campaign against AIDS, named after his prison number. Many prominent musicians performed in concerts as part of this the campaign.

A summary of Mandela's life story is featured in the 2006 music video If Everyone Cared by Nickelback.


LINKS:

MUSIC VIDEO: Nelson Mandela - Special AKA

MUSIC VIDEO: Whitney Houston - Love Will Save The Day
(Live in 1988 for Nelson Mandela at the Freedomfest)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vjIGi1RsqY

VIDEO: BBC News: Nelson Mandela released from prison
http://www.yo1utube.com/watch?v=T2d3ENhn8Kg

Wikipedia: Nelson Mandela
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela