‘Nelson Mandela’ composer scoops inspiration award

Specials songwriter Jerry Dammers has been named a music industry inspiration three decades after his song, ‘Nelson Mandela’, stormed the charts calling for the release of the anti-apartheid campaigner.

Dammers, who scored a top 10 hit with the track performed by Special AKA, picked up the inspiration award at the 59th Ivor Novello Awards. The song became an anti-apartheid anthem and Mandela, who died in December, was eventually released in 1990.

The annual awards, known as The Ivors, are presented by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.