Happy Birthday, Nelson Mandela
Mon, July 20, 2009 
via NYTimesWe don’t want to miss honoring the occasion of Nelson Mandela’s 91th birthday celebration at Radio City Saturday evening. Far more than a birthday party, the evening promoted Mandela’s charity 46664, devoted to AIDS and H.I.V. prevention. #46664 was Nelson Mandela’s prison ID during his 27 years in prison.
The New York concert was preceeded by birthday celebrations in prior years in South Africa, Spain, Norway and England. Unfortunately, Nelson Mandela could not attend, because he no longer travels outside of South Africa.
While reviewing details of the concert, we’re featuring prior videos celebrating women produced by the African performers.
Thandiswa - Ingoma (official video)
Headliners included Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Josh Groban, Will.i.am, Gloria Gaynor, Queen Latifah, Cyndi Lauper and Lil’ Kim, and Jesse McCartney, a 22-year-old would-be Justin Timberlake, who proposed “Body Language” as a path to multicultural entente. (via NYTimes)
Europeans were also on hand, including first lady of France, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy — singing “Blowin’ in the Wind” with the English rocker Dave Stewart — and the Italian rocker Zucchero.
Vusi Mahlasela: “Thula Mama” at TED
Musicians from Africa, including Mr. Mandela’s fellow South Africans Vusi Mahlasela and Thandiswa Mazwai, Loyiso; from Kenya Suzanna Owiyo; and Angelique Kidjo (who is from Benin but now lives in New York) singing a duet with Alicia Keyes called “Afrika”.
Angelique Kidjo - Afrika (46664 Arctic)
On a sobering note, this last broadcast of footage of Mandela celebrating in his home, puts forth the staggering statistic that by the time of next year’s World Cup Soccer in South Africa 50% of the children of the country wil be HIV positive.
Nelson Mandela celebrates his 91st birthday
Anne of Carversville supports Keep a Child Alive, devoted to buying monthly drugs for AIDS children. Visit Nelson Mandela’s charity 46664, devoted to AIDS prevention.
Soweto Gospel Choir - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
We close this audio segment with a focus on the Soweto Gospel Choir. In the the devastating hardships and challenges of South Africa, I want to share an article posted yesterday in Cultural Creatives about the hopeful side of Soweta’s future. Enjoy, Anne
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