Mandatory Credit: Photo by Wayne Conradie/EPA/REX/Shutterstock (7851425a) Former South African President Nelson Mandela and R&b Diva Beyonce Knowless at the Launch of the 46664 Hiv/aids Awareness Concert On Robben Island Cape Town South Africa Friday 28 November2003 the Number 46664 Was Nelson Mandela's Prison Number While Beign Imprisoned On Robben Island This Time the Number is Used For His Hiv/ Aids Awareness Concert Tomorrow Saturday 29 November 2003 at the Green Point Stadium Cape Town Knowles is Among 20 Local and International Superstars Who Will Perform at the Biggest Concert in Africa South Africa 46664 Hiv Aids Concert - Nov 2003
The Global Citizen Festival to celebrate 100 years of Mandela’s birth, was held yesterday in South Africa. Among those in attendance were Beyonce and JayZ, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Dbanj, Trevor Noah, Naomi Campbell, Bonang Matheba, Jackie Appiah and so many others.
Photo by Wayne Conradie/EPA/REX/Shutterstock (7851425a)
In a letter published by Sowetan, a South African newspaper, Beyonce paid tribute to the late South African president.
Read the letter below:
Dear Madiba,
I first met you in 2004 for the 46664 AIDS Benefit Concert in Cape Town, and the impact you have had on my life resonates with me today and every day. Your kindness and gratitude for every experience, and your ability to forgive are lessons I have learned and will pass on to my three children. My entire family holds you in high regard.
It is an honor for me to travel to South Africa this week in celebration of you and your efforts to right so many wrongs. You were a strategic warrior, a bold activist, and charismatic and well-loved leader. Your vision for dignity, for human rights, for peace and a South Africa free of racism and apartheid, allows us all to turn dreams into reality.
I remember taking that walk with you back to the prison on Robben Island where you spent 18 of those imprisoned 27 years. I recall your measured but focused steps in as you recounted the stories of the struggles, the sacrifices and your resilience. You smiled as you talked to a crowd of artists and their guests, including my mother, who first told my sister and me about the great Nelson Mandela. In that moment I truly understood your heart and humility.
Nelson Mandela poses for photographers with singer Beyonce Knowles (L)
You made it possible for so many people like me to reject impossibilities and understand our capabilities in making lasting change in the world. The smallest efforts could change the trajectory for so many living in extreme poverty, facing injustices, the indecency of racism and fighting for their rights as humans.
As we celebrate the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, honoring your centennial year, I promise you that we have made your dreams our own.
Your work and your sacrifices were not in vain. I will cherish every moment shared in your presence and use the lessons learned from you as fuel to stir positive ideas and solutions.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
Isau Ogunkunle has secured a bronze medal for Team Nigeria in the men’s para-table tennis…
Heidi Korth, the estranged wife of Sina Rambo, the son of Osun State Governor Ademola…
Nigeria’s Flora Ugwunwa has won a silver medal in the women’s Javelin F54 event at…
British-Nigerian actress, Laura Lake Adebisi has sparked controversy by stating that Nigeria should never have…
Nigerian talent manager, Paulo Okoye has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, billionaire Aliko Dangote, and…
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has announced…