Mandela rocks for freedom

Michael Stipe: Joining the party

LONDON, England -- Nelson Mandela is set to celebrate seven years of South African democracy with a 20,000-strong crowd in London.

Celebrities such as REM, Mel B and Dave Stewart are set to perform in Trafalgar Square on Sunday to pay tribute to the former South African president who spent 27 years in prison fighting apartheid.

It is the first time that the central London square, traditionally the venue for New Year's celebrations, has been booked for a rock festival, but it has a history of anti-apartheid demonstrations throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

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Reform in South Africa

South African High Commission officials, who organised the event and are based at Trafalgar Square, said the concert was a way of giving thanks to the people of Britain for supporting South Africa in its "long walk to freedom."

South African High Commissioner Cheryl Carolus said: "We have achieved a great deal since we won our freedom, but we still face many challenges in our quest to deliver a better future for South Africans.

"Through Celebrate South Africa we hope to share our dreams and aspirations with our friends in the UK and hope they will continue to support us on our journey."

Mandela, in London for a three-day visit, waves to crowds outside Southwark Cathedral

London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who will be among the crowd, spoke of his excitement that Mandela would now be welcomed into the heart of London as a hero after years in exile.

Others in the line-up for the huge outdoor party include The Corrs, Atomic Kitten, Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Baba Maal.

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

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 stepped down from office in 1999.

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

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