By Brian Parker
Yesterday’s passing of Nelson Mandela is sending mournful shockwaves across the globe, as the world remembers one of the most influential and celebrated leaders in the fight for human rights, social revolution, and equality. Since Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment in 1964, activism and outreach through music was a centerpiece of his eventual release and return to the global stage. A variety of songs written over the last four decades paid tribute to Mandela and his influence, as well as the fight to end apartheid in South Africa, of which Mandela was the first black president.
Here is SoundCtrl’s list of commemorative songs for Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013.
Gil Scott-Heron – “Johannesburg”
Scott Heron’s iconic voice and unrelenting call to action powered through in his 1974 single on Arista Records.
Nomfusi and the Lucky Charms – “Nelson Mandela Song (Iqalapha)”
The popular Johannesburg-native performs a tribute to Mandela and his reconciliation with the last apartheid-era president, F.W. de Klerk.
Specials AKA – “Free Nelson Mandela”
Jerry Dammers’ top ten UK hit from 1984 resonated with the anti-apartheid movement, and contained upbeat, groovy, South African musical influences.
Queen – “I Want To Break Free”
The song, with a controversial video featuring the members of the band cross-dressing, was a declaration of individuality and freedom, and was surprisingly well received in apartheid-era South Africa as an anthem of hope.
Stevie Wonder – “It’s Wrong (Apartheid)”
The track from Stevie Wonder’s Grammy Award-Winning album In Square Circle, is an open call to peaceful arms against the political and racial struggle in the early 80s.
Artists United Against Apartheid – “Sun City”
The 1985 song written by Steven Van Zandt was meant to protest the Sun City resort that was intended for segregated blacks in South Africa, and featured Lou Reed, Herbie Hancock, Bonnie Raitt, Peter Gabriel, Eddie Kendricks, and more of a huge all star-cast who contributed a total of 303 tracks for the song.
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