Freedomfest: Nelson Mandela's 70th Birthday Celebratation (1988)

Wembley Stadium hosts a concert featuring stars from the fields of music, comedy and film, in celebration of the 70th birthday of imprisoned ANC leader Nelson Mandela.

Writer:

Kim Fuller

Stars:

Bryan Adams, Joan Armatrading, Nick Ashford

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Bryan Adams	...	Self
Joan Armatrading	...	Self
Nick Ashford	...	Self (as Ashford & Simpson)
Aswad	...	Themselves
Richard Attenborough	...	Self
H.B. Barnum	...	Self
Jennifer Beals	...	Self
Harry Belafonte	...	Self
Corbin Bernsen	...	Self
Jackson Browne	...	Self
Jonathan Butler	...	Self
Paul Carrack	...	Self
Graham Chapman	...	Self
Tracy Chapman	...	Self
Chubby Checker	...	Self

Storyline

Tony Hollingsworth of Tribute spent 12 months organising this colossal event which was broadcast to 67 countries for 11.5 hours, reaching an audience of 600 million and setting a record (which still stands) for the highest-ever world rating for an entertainment broadcast. At the beginning of the campaign, Nelson Mandela was referred to by the world's press as "the black terrorist leader of the ANC. After the event they talked of him as "the imprisoned leader of the ANC".

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Plot Keywords:

nelson mandela | birthday | concert film | tv special | number in title | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Music

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The concert, which was on behalf of Nelson Mandela who was then in jail in South Africa, was aired live in Great Britain. The BBC cut away frequently when the performers gave political speeches. But when the program aired in the United States, Fox Television systematically deleted all political references.

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Connections

Featured in Whitney (2018)

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Soundtracks

Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Written by Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson
Performed by Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson

User Reviews

The most amazing concert ever

I had the opportunity to be here on the day all the stars came out to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela.

I have to say the greatest surprise for me was to witness the amazing talent of Whitney Houston. I must confess that i was not the greatest fan of hers until i had the honour of hearing that Gospel influenced voice of hers. I have never been so mesmerized by any singer before or for that matter since.

Her vocal ability, strength and range completely commanded the 100,000 strong crowd.

For me it was incredible to witness such an amazing performance.

Anyone who appreciates the human voice as an instrument.......this is one moment not to be missed.

Whitney was the star among stars.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 June 1988 (UK)

Also Known As:

Freedomfest: Nelson Mandela's 70th Birthday Celebratation

Filming Locations:

Wembley Stadium, Wembley, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Elephant House Studios, Tribute

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min

Color:

Color