Songs for Nelson Mandela
February 11, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Brenda Fassie’s “Black President” is still the standard bearer for Mandela tribute songs. She did this one while he was in prison in the late 1980s. She also claimed they were related. But that’s another story.
There’s a few others that come close.
Santana (featuring Wayne Shorter), “Mandela” (live version). Check the poster of Mandela in front of the keyboard. Based on Mandela’s profile before he went to prison, they were ubiqituous throughout the 1980s when Mandela truly emerged as a global figure.
Vusi Mahlasela, “When You Come Back Home,” which Mahlasela released on vinyl two years after Mandela was released.
Johnny Clegg, “Asimbonanga” (This was a standard for Clegg during 1980s with his band Savuka. In this live version performed in 1999, Mandela joins him on stage and then gives a speech and ask the crowd to join him.)
Special AKA, “Nelson Mandela.” Some good English ska. [If you can't see it, click here.]
Hugh Masekela, “Bring Back Nelson Mandela”