In 1964, South African civil rights campaigner, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment. From the dock he said “I have cherished the ideal of a free society in which all persons live in harmony … it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die”

After 27 years incarcerated in appalling conditions, he was released on February 11th 1990.

In 1994 he was elected President of South Africa, in the country’s first-ever free elections. Mandela, after an historic forty-year journey, joined the people of London in Trafalgar Square, to celebrate the 7th anniversary of free elections in South Africa. Mandela thanked the people who stood by him, in a memorable speech, and with a unique show featuring REM, The Corrs, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Dave Stewart, Hugh Masekela, Baaba Maal and more.

The recording was directed and produced by Tony Gregory, who decided to update this original show for 2013 release, with net profits going to The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and HRH Prince Charles’ Princes Trust.