Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute

Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute was a historic event held at Wembley Stadium in London, England on June 11, 1988, to celebrate the 70th birthday of Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa and African National Congress leader, who was still imprisoned at the time by the National Party government. The event was organized by the Anti-Apartheid Movement and Specials to raise awareness about Apartheid in South Africa and to pressure the South African government to release Mandela from Pollsmoor Prison. The tribute concert featured performances by renowned artists such as Sting, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Dire Straits, Steve Winwood, and George Michael, among others, and was broadcast live to an estimated global audience of BBC, ITV, and MTV viewers.

Introduction

The Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute was a groundbreaking event that brought together musicians, activists, and politicians from around the world to celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, who was a key figure in the fight against Apartheid in South Africa. The event was held in conjunction with the Free Nelson Mandela campaign, which was launched by the African National Congress and supported by organizations such as Amnesty International, United Nations, and the European Union. The tribute concert was also endorsed by prominent leaders such as Oliver Tambo, Desmond Tutu, and Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who were all instrumental in the Anti-Apartheid Movement. Other notable supporters included Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, and Whoopi Goldberg, who were all involved in the American Committee on Africa.

Background

The Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute was held against the backdrop of growing international pressure on the South African government to end Apartheid in South Africa and release Nelson Mandela from prison. The event was preceded by a series of protests and demonstrations organized by the Anti-Apartheid Movement, which included the Sharpeville massacre and the Soweto uprising. The tribute concert was also inspired by the work of organizations such as the Congress of South African Trade Unions, the United Democratic Front, and the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, which were all involved in the fight against Apartheid in South Africa. Other key figures who played a role in the background to the event included Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, and Joe Slovo, who were all leaders in the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party.

The Tribute Concert

The Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert featured a diverse range of performances, including music, dance, and poetry. The event was hosted by Tony Hollingsworth and Gerry Adams, and included performances by artists such as Simple Minds, The Eurythmics, UB40, and Aswad. The concert also featured a special appearance by Jerry Dammers, who was a key figure in the 2 Tone movement and a long-time supporter of the Anti-Apartheid Movement. Other notable performers included Peter Gabriel, Youssou N'Dour, and Miriam Makeba, who were all involved in the Music for Mandela project. The concert was also attended by prominent politicians such as Neil Kinnock, Ken Livingstone, and Glenys Kinnock, who were all supporters of the Labour Party and the Anti-Apartheid Movement.

Impact and Legacy

The Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute had a significant impact on the international campaign to free Nelson Mandela and end Apartheid in South Africa. The event helped to raise awareness about the issue and mobilize public support for the Anti-Apartheid Movement, which included organizations such as the African National Congress, the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, and the Azanian People's Organisation. The tribute concert also inspired a new generation of activists, including Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Zindzi Mandela, and Zenani Mandela, who were all involved in the Free Nelson Mandela campaign. Other notable figures who were inspired by the event included Desmond Tutu, Beyers Naude, and Allan Boesak, who were all leaders in the United Democratic Front and the South African Council of Churches. The event also led to the establishment of the Mandela Scholarship Fund, which was supported by organizations such as the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations.

Organizers and Participants

The Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute was organized by a coalition of organizations, including the Anti-Apartheid Movement, the African National Congress, and the Specials. The event was also supported by a range of other organizations, including Amnesty International, the United Nations, and the European Union. The tribute concert featured a diverse range of participants, including musicians, activists, and politicians from around the world. Notable participants included Sting, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Dire Straits, and George Michael, as well as Oliver Tambo, Desmond Tutu, and Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Other key figures who were involved in the organization and participation of the event included Tony Hollingsworth, Gerry Adams, and Jerry Dammers, who were all instrumental in the 2 Tone movement and the Anti-Apartheid Movement. The event was also attended by prominent leaders such as Neil Kinnock, Ken Livingstone, and Glenys Kinnock, who were all supporters of the Labour Party and the Anti-Apartheid Movement.

Category:Events