Happy 90th Birthday Nelson Mandela!

[david uk]

watching the (almost) live broadcast of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday concert in London- Annie Lennox, Amy Winehouse, Simple Minds (with the Soweto Gospel Choir), Queen and the great Mandela himself who pronounced a speech so full of dignity it sent shivers up my spine.

Also some leading South African musicians who played some fabulous music.

When you look at Mandela and what he has achieved, going from a violent "freedom fighter" to the architect of the remarkable Peace and Reconciliation movement alongside Archbishop Desmond Tutu, you have renewed hope in the world.

:)

[Dee]

Thanks, David. That concert is being shown here tonight on the CBC network starting at 7:30. I'll have to have a look!

[hoops]

happy birthday
peace
hoops

[Dee]

LONDON (AFP) — A star-studded cast of artists helped Nelson Mandela celebrate his 90th birthday with a giant concert in London on Friday in support of his 46664 AIDS campaign.

Queen, Amy Winehouse, Will Smith and Annie Lennox were among the performers in Hyde Park for the gig, which was broadcast around the world.

The former South African president was received to rapturous applause from an emotional crowd, which fell silent when the global icon spoke.

"Where human beings are being oppressed, there is more work to be done. Our work is for freedom for all," said a visibly frail Mandela, who had to be helped slowly on stage.

"It is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now. I thank you," added Mandela, who turns 90 on July 18.

Mandela, who retired from public life nine years ago, is now expected to retreat further from the limelight.

(more (http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gL-HcvJPOnAVsoTSv1BgZtF0yZRw))