Mandela to rock for freedom

Stipe: Joining the party

LONDON, England -- A celebrity line-up including The Corrs and R.E.M. is to host Nelson Mandela at a concert celebrating seven years of South African democracy.

The party in Trafalgar Square on April 29 is expected to attract 30,000 people as part of six weeks of festivities involving the best of South African singers, dancers and artists.

In a statement the former South African president said: "I warmly welcome the opportunity that our Freedom Day Concert presents to acknowledge the courage and humanity of our people in overcoming the Apartheid system."

R.E.M. lead singer Michael Stipe said: "I can't think of a more fitting way of demonstrating the real changes in South Africa today than by performing outside the South African High Commission, a symbol of many years of protest."

Others in the line-up for the huge outdoor party in the shadow of Nelson's Column -- dedicated to the British naval hero -- include Spice Girl Mel B and saxophonist Hugh Masekela.

South Africa House, home of the High Commission in London and organisers of the event, said the concert is a way of giving thanks to the people of Britain for supporting South Africa in its "long walk to freedom."

Donations and proceeds from a concert video will benefit the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and The Prince's Trust charities.

"Freedom Day is of great significance to South Africa and I cannot think of a more suitable place in which to gather," South African High Commissioner Cheryl Carolus said.

South Africa ended 46 years of apartheid in 1994 on Freedom Day with democratic elections and the overwhelming victory of former prisoner Mandela as president.

Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for treason in his battle against apartheid, stepped down from office in 1999.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Nelson Mandela
R.E.M.
South Africa House
The Corrs

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