A song for Madiba

A group of popular local artists and celebrities will serenade Nelson Mandela in preparation for Mandela Day.
A FAMILIAR tune will ring out in Nelson Mandela Square between 9 and 10am on Tuesday 29 May as some of South Africa’s most popular personalities gather to record a video to celebrate International Mandela Day and the former president’s 94th birthday on 18 July.

Global icon: Nelson MandelaGlobal icon: Nelson MandelaThe event is an initiative of the Department of Basic Education, LEAD SA and the Shout Foundation, supported by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Brand SA and Proudly SA.

Participating artists and celebrities include the Bala Brothers, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, the Drakensberg Boys Choir, Baby Jake Matlala, comedian Joey Rasdien, TV presenter Leanne Manas, Miss South Africa 2011, Melinda Bam and many others.

Musicians Danny K and Kabelo will lead the singing.

The lyrics are:

“Happy birthday to you
“Happy birthday to you
“Happy birthday dear Madiba
“Happy birthday to you

“We love you Tata
“We love you Tata
“We love you dear Madiba
“Happy birthday to you”

International Mandela Day is celebrated each year on Mandela’s birthday. According to the Mandela Day website, the aim of the day is “to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good”.

On the day, individuals and organisations are called on to participate in activities of their choice, as long as they adhere to the ethical framework of “service to one’s fellow human”.

Last year, millions of schoolchildren sang for Madiba. This year, the Department of Education and Lead SA hope to bag a place in the Guinness Book of Records with more than two million South Africans singing the birthday song on 18 July.

At almost 94 Madiba may be frail, but his legacy of selfless service to humanity is strong and his spirited fight for a world of freedom and racial equality continues.

And in return South Africa will sing him a birthday song which, it is hoped, will not only break a world record but will inspire the people of South Africa to unite and work as one for the greater good.