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Mandela urges people to fight HIV and Aids

ICON: Former president Nelson Mandela addresses the crowd at the 46664 Concert at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday. Pic. Veli Nhlapo. 0212/07. © Sowetan.
ICON: Former president Nelson Mandela addresses the crowd at the 46664 Concert at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday. Pic. Veli Nhlapo. 0212/07. © Sowetan.

Gugu Sibiya

Gugu Sibiya

Johnny Clegg's 46664 concert performance at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday was spellbinding.

From the moment he got on stage singing his popular Isoka Liyatatazela, he had the frenzied crowd eating out of the palm of his hands. Impi and Asimbonanga followed with the same effect.

The crowd went berserk when at the end of the song, Nelson Mandela appeared on stage. He spoke about the importance of supporting the 46664 concert series.

He said it was up to every individual to help in the fight against HIV-Aids, talk openly about it and resolve to stop its spread.

Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka echoed Mandela's sentiments.

International model and 46664 ambassador, Naomi Campbell, was among a host of celebrities who were in attendance. So were Annie Lennox and Angelique Kidjo, whose performance had the crowd wild.

Lennox was so moved by the plight of infected and affected locals that she pledged to throw her weight behind 46664 for as long as she could.

She recently visited the Eastern Cape and saw first- hand the ravages of Aids.

Danny K, Freshlyground, Vusi Mahlasela, Ludicrous, Jamelia, Jamali, Corinne Bailey Rae and Malaika didn't disappoint either. The Soweto Gospel Choir backed most of the acts.

All in all, the 46664 concert proved to be a great success in terms of the impressive international showing. But although the crowds came, they failed to fill the stadium in spite of the impressive line-up.

Next year's Aids Day 46664 concert is scheduled for Hyde Park in London.

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