Music stars from across the globe gathered in London’s Hyde Park yesterday evening to celebrate the 90th birthday of the international Statesman, anti-Apartheid icon and former South African President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. The concert was graced by artistes from across the ages and musical tastes including stars such as Soweto Gospel Choir, Leona Lewis, Dame Shirley Bassey and Annie Lennox.
The event organised by 46664 a division of the Nelson Mandela Foundation which focuses on providing a global focus on the scourge of HIV\AIDS in Africa. The number 46664 was Mandela’s identification number during his imprisonment in the notorious Robben Island prison during South Africa’s apartheid years.
All his life Nelson Mandela has stood as an icon against racism and 46664 is a leading light in fighting HIV\AIDS which makes it ironic that the organizers choose Amy Winehouse, the controversial British female singer, to headline yesterday’s concert.
Amy Winehouse’s dalliance with racism was highlighted in an expose by the British Newspaper – News of the World – in which she was recorded singing out using very offensive racial slangs. Equally amazing given the amount of HIV\AIDS that is directly related to drug abuse, it is dumbfounding that an ‘artiste’ who had been subject of endless allegations of drug taking was deemed to be a fitting symbol in the fight against AIDS.
To cap it all reports from the concert allege during the grand finale of the concert Winehouse shamelessly changed the lyrics of “Free Nelson Mandela” to “Free Blake-y my fella” using the occasion to campaign for the release of her husband Blake fielder-civil who is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and perverting the course of justice.
The organizers had earlier seemed to be taking an hard line to ensure the concert was not detracted by negative publicity after they barred Naomi Campbell from the concert following her altercation with British Airways staff, but sadly this message was lost when it came to Winehouse.
Mandela is a great icon and an inspiration for many, to have such a special occasion to be marred by the presence and antics of Winehouse sends very worrying signals about the people around Mandela and the danger that his memory is being exploited by people with their own agendas.