AUDREY’S SOCIETY WHIRL: MANDELA 91ST BIRTHDAY BASH

Stars come out to wish ‘Happy 91st’ birthday to Nelson Mandela

       *Human rights activist Nelson Mandela never thought that the number 46664 would represent something marvelous in his life as that was the repugnant number assigned to him during his 27 years spent in prison for fighting against apartheid.

      Since 2003, that number has become a part of the anti-apartheid activist’s birthday celebration -- Mandela Day: a 46664 Celebration concert.  This year’s celebration was held in New York City at Radio City Music Hall on Saturday evening, July 18, 2009.

      The concert benefitted Mr. Mandela’s organization to combat AIDS and H.I.V.  The concert came 20 years after a birthday concert for the anti-apartheid activist while he was imprisoned in South Africa. 

      Mandela Day: a 46664 Celebration concerts have always taken place in South Africa and Europe except for this year when a “Happy 91st, Mr. Mandela,” celebration was held in New York.  This was also the first birthday celebration Mr. Mandela did not attend as he no longer travels outside South Africa because of his frail health.

        Mr. Mandela’s natal day, July 18, has become internationally recognized as Mandela Day: a 46664 Celebration. Now, fans of the former South African president would like to make it an official Mandela Holiday much to the chagrin of Mr. Mandela who, in his taped video, told his admirers that he would rather his birthday be referred to as “a day dedicated to service.” 

      The triumphant concert featured performances by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Wyclef Jean, Josh Groban, Will.i.am, Gloria Gaynor, Queen Latifah, Jesse McCartney, Cyndi Lauper and Lil’ Kim.

      The concert also featured messages of hope and encouragement from actors Morgan Freeman, Forest Whitaker, Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins who told the sold out audience to continue the work of Mr. Mandela by giving to the needy.

      One of the most moving performances during the concert was Mr. Mandela’s call for volunteerism theme song, “With My Own Two Hands,” that was written by Ben Harper, and poignantly performed by acclaimed South African singer, Chris Chameleon, and Senegalese singer, Baaba Maal.

      The luminous birthday bash culminated in Wonder -- surrounded by fellow performers -- singing his historic “Happy Birthday” song he wrote in support of the creation of Martin Luther King’s Birthday holiday and that Mr. Mandela’s followers hope to use in getting Mandela’s Day recognized as a holiday. 

      Many musicians, singers and dancers from South Africa also contributed to the amazing program performing songs protesting apartheid and extolling “Afrika” including Mr. Mandela’s fellow South Africans Vusi Mahlasela, Thandiswa Mazwai, Zulu, Freshlyground, Loyiso, Jesse Clegg, Bongo Maffin, Suzanna Owiyo from Kenya and Angelique Kidjo.

      The Soweto Gospel Choir was onstage throughout the concert serving as a magnificent centerpiece and lending their melodious voices to all dance tunes and inspirational songs.  (Photo Credit: Jenn Ackerman/The New York Times) 

 Nelson Mandela 91st Birthday Bash at Radio City Music Hall

Stevie Wonder flanked by all performers during finale song-Happy Birthday

Aretha Franklin

Actor Morgan Freeman

Wyclef Jean

Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area.