Stars celebrate Mandela’s 91st birthday

FRANCE’S first lady joined musical heavyweights in New York to celebrate the birthday of Nelson Mandela.

Carla Bruni was cheered on by husband President Nicolas Sarkozy as she performed two songs at the Saturday night event to honour the 91-year-old former South African leader.

Mandela missed out on attending the birthday bash, to honour Mandela Day and his charity 46664, being deemed too frail to travel.

The evening was capped by a performance of Stevie Wonder’s Happy Birthday – a song written to remember Martin Luther King, but now dedicated to another civil rights leader.

Bruni was said to be nervous about her first performance in public since becoming France’s first lady.

But accompanied by former Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart, the former model put in an assured performance culminating in a version of Bob Dylan’s Blowing in the Wind.

She blew a kiss to the crowd as she finished and soaked up the warm applause at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.

Queen Latifah was followed by Aretha Franklin who receiving a standing ovation even before she opened her mouth.

Cyndi Lauper was joined by Lil’ Kim for a rendition of Time after Time, while other highlights included Wyclef Jean, Alicia Keys and Gloria Gaynor.

The night was given a distinct African flavour, with stars from the continent including Sipho Mabuse, Vusi Mahlasela and Thandiswa Mazwai participating in the event.

The Soweto Gospel Choir gave backing vocals to the succession of artists.

Speakers included actor Morgan Freeman who is to play Mandela in a forthcoming biopic.

President Barack Obama delivered a message via video. In it, the US leader said that Mandela’s life “teaches us that the impossible can be done, but only if people have the courage to make change happen”.

The concert took place on the first ever Mandela Day. Organisers hope it will inspire people to celebrate the South African leader annually on his birthday, not as a holiday but as an opportunity to take his example and try to improve the life of others.

Mandela sent a message to those at the event. He said: “It is on your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”