Lead SA is urging South Africans to add their voice to a recording of a special “Happy Birthday” song, ahead of former President Nelson Mandela’s 94th birthday on July 18.
Lead SA together with the Department of Basic Education, SHOUT, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Brand SA and Proudly South African have issued an invitation to “fellow South Africans” to gather at the Nelson Mandela Square on Tuesday, 29 May 2012, where they will record a video to mark the occasion.
“We are expecting hundreds of people to converge on the square where we will as one voice sing Happy Birthday to Tata Madiba. We want South Africans from all walks of life to join in. We want a rainbow nation of voices to celebrate Madiba’s birthday and his legacy of active citizenship,” urged Lead SA’s, Yusuf Abramjee.
Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, along with scores of prominent artists, musicians, sports stars, celebrities, television and radio personalities will join their fellow South Africans to sing the song.
Among them will be: Bala Brothers, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Baby Jake Matlala, Miss SA Melinda Bam, Miss Earth finalists, Joey Rasdien, Leanne Manas, the Drakensburg Boys Choir, Cito, Chris Chameleon, SA Ballet Theatre Company, the Absa choir, Joe Niemand, Kurt Darren, Liquid Deep, Louise Carver, Jen Su, Lloyd, Emmanuel Castis, Denim and Die Kat Se Snor.
Musicians Danny K and Kabelo will lead the Happy Birthday song.
“The video recording will go viral on June 18, a month before Madiba’s birthday, to create excitement and to rally the nation to sing Happy Birthday at 8am sharp on Mandela Day,” said Abramjee. “We also going to launch a campaign to get the world to join in”.
“We also hope to encourage and motivate people from around the globe to do their 67 minutes of community service on and beyond International Mandela Day,” said Abramjee.
Minister Motshekga said: “Together we will and must unleash the greatest birthday wish for Madiba and sing in unity in celebration of this great icon of our time, come 18 July. ‘Take Action. Inspire Change. Make Every Day Mandela Day!’ In this unique way, we will preserve his towering legacy.”
South Africans who wish to attend the recording are urged to arrive at Nelson Mandela Square at 9am sharp on Tuesday. Come dressed in your daily attire – be it a suit, uniform or casual wear. The recording will be over no later than 11am.
“Bring your best singing voice along. Let’s honour Madiba by delivering a memorable rendition of the Happy Birthday song. It is open to one and all,” Abramjee added.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: MEDIA ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE RECORDING EVENT ON TUESDAY.
For media enquiries and comment please contact Catherine Constantinides on 083 747 7677 or Yusuf Abramjee on 082 4414 203 . Check www.leadsa.co.za or follow @Lead_SA for more details on the recording and other activities.
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