Musical salutes to Nelson Mandela

HE WAS one of the great statesman of the latter half of the 20th century. But Nelson Mandela was also a hugely significant cultural figure.

Throughout his life Mandela provided fertile inspiration for filmmakers, writers and, especially, musicians. To a generation of artists, this stern, patrician figure functioned as both icon and muse.

Songs have been written about him, huge concerts staged in his honour. Two years ago, he even made his debut as a recording artist, contributing a spoken word section to a piece celebrating his life and achievements by Irish musician John Hughes. In an era when music was growing increasingly apolitical, Mandela arguably represented the last true rallying point for progressive songwriters.