How do you convince Robert De Niro, Will Smith, Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds, Josh Groban, Queen, and Leona Lewis to come to your birthday party? It’s not hard if you’re the former president of South Africa, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and human rights advocate Nelson Mandela (pictured). Smith and Winfrey are a few of the many celebrities, sports figures, political leaders and musical performers planning to attend Mandela’s 90th birthday tribute concert in Hyde Park, London. Though Mandela officially retired nearly five years ago, his crusade against social injustice continues, as does his involvement in the 46664 campaign (named for the number Mandela wore during his years as a political prisoner), a charitable organization raising AIDS awareness and promoting HIV education and prevention measures.
So you weren’t able to score one of the 46,664 tickets sold for the event? No worries, EW has your live online pass to all the top notch talent gathering to celebrate in Hyde Park. Be sure to tune in to the Nelson Mandela tribute site at 6:30 BST/ 1:30 EST today, June 27th, for a live streaming webcast of the concert. Until then, click the link above to check out clips of celebrity birthday wishes to Mandela and pics from past 46664 events, and to find out more about donating to the 46664 campaign.
Anyone remember that song by the Specials called “Free Nelson Mandela”? I always loved that track.
I’m excited for this concert. BTW, there was a crazy quote from Mandela a few years ago. I can’t remember the newspaper, but when asked about his experience meeting the Spice Girls, Mandela said “This is the greatest day of my life”.
That quote always struck me as odd. I mean, you’d think the day he became the elected leader of the formerly segregated country that had imprisoned him would have been higher up on the list of “greatest day” of his life.
BTW, dude looks great for 90. Hopefully, he’ll live for a looong time and will continue to rattle cages.
mandela was imprisoned for 27 years and yet has thrived personally and had helped his nation thrive as well. he’s such an inspiration. i hope he’s gonna have a great 100th birthday party in 10 yrs.
Just for the record, has anyone noticed a lack of ultraconservative presence at this gathering? If the Reagan (and for that matter Thatcher)Administration had had its way in 1986, the US (and Britain) may never have made economic sanctions against Apartheid, and we might not have such a positive relationdhip with Mandela or South Africa right now.