And ladies, gentlemen, childrens…this is how you pay homage to someone in song. Leave it up to the Rakim Allah. Released in connection with the Mandela: Long Road To Freedom film coming on Christmas Day starring Idris Elba.
Gilles pays tribute to the late, great, Nelson Mandela with this extended mix from his earlier tribute on BBC 6 Music. 1 hour of carefully curated songs of hope, freedom and future.
1 – Simphiwe Dana – Zundiqondisise
2 – Dollar Brand – Ishmael
3 – Sathima Bea Benjamine – Music
4 – Hugh Masakela – What Is Wrong With Groovin
5 – Harmonius Serenade Choir – Lyo
6 – Gil Scott Heron – Johannesburg
7 – Letta Mbullu – Mahlalela
8 – Protest Meeting – Amandla
9 – Hugh Masakela – Stimela
10 – Miles Davis – Big Time
11 – Miriam Makeba – Soweto Blues
12 – Maze featuring Frankie Beverley – Mandela
13 – Abdullah Ibrahim – Did You Hear That Sound?
14 – Vusi Mahlasela – Kuzobenani Na?
15 – John Wizards – Jabu Ley
In the immortal words of Jay-Z “What More Can I Sayyyyyyy”
You can tell so much about a person by the way they smile. There is nothing I can add to this and nothing I can say that is worthy of all that Mr. Mandela accomplished in his lifetime. Nor can I properly put in to perspective the amount of gratitude that the world owes the man for his sacrifices. We should all be so lucky to accomplish so much. Rest in eternal peace sir…