Will Smith hosted the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Concert in London’s Hyde Park on June 27, 2008, a star studded concert, that included performances by Leona Lewis and Amy Winehouse, in celebration of Mandela’s life and work and to raise funds for his HIV/AIDS charity, 46664, named after his prison number.
Will Smith kicked off the concert with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, announcing: “The party begins now.”
He quoted singer Peter Gabriel as once saying: “If the world could only have one father, the man that we would choose to be our father would be Nelson Mandela.”
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[Leona] Lewis was one of the biggest hits of the night, singing her ballad Bleeding Love as well as Better In Time.
The X Factor winner said: “When I was younger I remember my aunty and grandmother used to tell me stories about this incredible, wonderful, great man, Nelson Mandela.
“We used to sing songs about him. It’s incredible to sing here today at his 90th birthday celebration. I feel so honoured, I just can’t begin to explain.”
Source: Mandela joins stars at London gig
Video: Leona Lewis performing “Bleeding Love” at Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Concert.
Amy Winehouse performed, the triumphant aftermath of her recent hospitalization and days of speculation as to whether she could really pull it off.
A glowing Amy Winehouse bounced back from her recent health problems to sing at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday concert in Hyde Park tonight.
The 24-year-old singer belted out renditions of her hit songs Valerie and Rehab in front of the 46,664-strong crowd in the capital.
Dressed with her signature beehive and heavy black eyeliner in a cream and black mini-dress, Winehouse looking remarkably tanned compared to her pale demeanour a few days ago.
Winehouse left a private London hospital on Monday after being diagnosed with emphysema following a fainting incident last week.
Source: Will-Smith Razorlight kick Mandelas birthday concert London
Video: Amy Winehouse performance, “Rehab” and Valerie”
Video: Amy Winehouse performance “Free Nelson Mandela” (with Jerry Dammers)
Halfway through the concert, Nelson Mandela made an appearance on stage.
Mr Mandela told the crowd: “We are honoured to be back in London for this wonderful occasion.”
Amy Winehouse, Annie Lennox and Queen were among those who took part in the Hyde Park event.
As well as marking the former South African president’s birthday, the concert raised funds for Mr Mandela’s HIV/Aids charity 46664.
Mr Mandela arrived on stage flanked by stars of the show, including Geri Halliwell and Leona Lewis.
Referring to the Free Nelson Mandela concert at Wembley 20 years ago, he said: “Many years ago there was a historic concert which called for our freedom. Your voices carried across the water and inspired us in our prison cells far away.
“Tonight we can stand before you, free.”
He added: “But even as we celebrate, let us remind ourselves that our work is far from complete.
“Where there is poverty and sickness including Aids, where human beings are being oppressed, there is more work to be done. Our work is for freedom for all.”
Source: Mandela joins stars at London gig
Video: Nelson Mandela’s speech
Photo credit: Getty Images
For liveblogging of the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Concert:
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Photos & Video: Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday Concert in London
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